Laminitis is one of the most serious conditions a horse can face — painful inflammation of the sensitive tissues (laminae) that bond the hoof wall to the bone inside. Caught early, it can often be managed. Missed or delayed, it can become permanently crippling. Every horse owner should be able to recognize the signs and treat it as the emergency it is.
Inside the hoof, the laminae hold the coffin bone in position against the hoof wall. When they become inflamed, that bond weakens and the bone can rotate or sink — the painful, damaging stage often called founder. Front feet are most commonly affected, though any or all four can be involved. Because damage can progress fast, laminitis is always urgent.
Common triggers include too much rich grass or grain (a carbohydrate overload), obesity and metabolic conditions such as EMS and Cushing’s (PPID), severe illness or infection, and excessive concussion on hard ground. Overweight horses and easy keepers are at higher risk, which is one more reason to manage how much your horse eats and keep body condition in check.
Treat it as an emergency. Call your equine veterinarian immediately, move the horse off grass and onto soft footing, and do not force it to walk any more than necessary. Prompt veterinary treatment and close work with your farrier or hoof care specialist give the best chance of recovery. When in doubt, use our emergency gut-check guide — but with laminitis, sooner is always better.
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Find an Equine Vet Near YouEarly signs include a strong digital pulse at the pastern, heat in the hooves, reluctance to move or turn, and the classic rocked-back stance with weight on the heels.
Yes. Laminitis can cause permanent damage quickly. Call your vet immediately, move the horse off grass onto soft footing, and limit movement.
Laminitis is the inflammation of the laminae. Founder refers to the later, damaging stage where the coffin bone rotates or sinks. Founder is a consequence of severe or untreated laminitis.
Common causes include carbohydrate overload from rich grass or grain, obesity, metabolic conditions like EMS and Cushing PPID, severe illness, and excessive concussion on hard ground.
Many horses recover with prompt veterinary care, careful farrier work, and management of the underlying cause. Early treatment greatly improves the outcome.
