Laminitis in ponies

Laminitis is a disease of the foot, in which the circulation in the sensitive laminae (the part of the hoof that binds the 'dead' horny part to the 'live' fleshy part) becomes compromised. In healthy feet, the hoof is firmly attached to the pedal bone, by these laminae. The result of the circulation problem is damage to the sensitive supporting structures with necrosis (death) of some of the tissues. The resultant inflammation and swelling give rise to the pain, confined as these tissues are within a tight hoof capsule and subject to the shearing forces exerted by the horse's body weight, supported through the laminae.

Possible triggers are:
1. Sudden change in the bacterial balance in the large bowel.
2. Unsuitable diet
3. Trauma - bruising or repetitive trauma
4. Trauma - penetrating injury
5. Toxins ingested
6. Indirect effect of herbicides
7. Artificial nitrogenous fertiliser (direct and indirect effects)
8. Heat
9. Frost (direct and indirect effects)
10. Shock / Stress
11. Fever
12. Toxaemia / Septicaemia
13. Anaphylaxis
14. Vaccination
15. Steroid / Cortisone administration
16. Disease, e.g. Cushings Syndrome

Treatment

Conventionally, your vet will advice pain-killing anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) and box confinement. Sadly, the success rate is terribly low, with a figure quoted by an expert witness in a recent court case of about one in 30 to one in 40 cases staging recovery.

Cases of laminitis can be successfully treated with homeopathy or with acupuncture. Herbs (herbal medicine) may also play a part. Homeopathically, sometimes with the support of herbs and acupuncture, the vast majority of cases are expected to recover. The pony is allowed gentle and voluntary movement/exercise, from the outset. Remedies are prescribed according to the signs shown and the circumstances (http://www.alternativevet.org/homeopathy.htm and http://www.alternativevet.org/WS130-07.pdf), often being selected from among the following: Aconitum, Belladonna, Hypericum, Fluoric Acid, Graphites, Secale and Silica. Acupuncture may be indicated, especially in a phase of acute and severe pain, often being effective where conventional pain-killing drugs have not been.

Hoof care

Trimming is very important. Too much heel is bad. In so many long-standing cases, there is excessive hoof, with the pony standing high off the ground. The farrier may have been over-cautious. From the outset, it is vital to retain as much of the normal shape as possible. In later chronic cases, there is usually much hoof deformity. Regular enlightened hoof care is essential. X-Rays may be necessary.

Seek holistic veterinary advice on optimum diet, hoof care and medical integration.

The author is independent of commercial interest or sponsorship and cannot endorse any products or advertising material attached to this lens.

For more information, visit http://www.alternativevet.org.