Laminitis is inflammation of the sensitive laminae inside the hoof. Prevent it by keeping horses at a healthy weight, limiting rich grass, feeding low-sugar forage, and treating any sign of lameness as urgent.
What laminitis is
Inside the hoof, the laminae bond the pedal bone to the hoof wall. In laminitis these tissues become inflamed and weakened, which is intensely painful and, in bad cases, lets the bone rotate or sink. It most often affects the front feet.
Spot it early
Signs include a reluctance to move, a rocked-back stance to take weight off the toes, heat in the hooves, a bounding digital pulse, and shifting weight from foot to foot. Laminitis is an emergency, so call your vet at the first suspicion rather than waiting.
The main causes
Common triggers are too much sugar and starch from rich grass or hard feed, being overweight, and underlying hormonal conditions such as equine metabolic syndrome and Cushing’s. Stress, concussion on hard ground and severe illness can also set it off.
How to prevent it
Keep your horse at a healthy body condition, restrict grazing on lush or frosty grass, and choose low-sugar hay, soaking it when needed. Use a slow feeder so a small ration lasts, which keeps the gut busy without a sugar spike. See our best slow feeder hay bags. Keep regular farrier care and daily hoof checks so problems are caught early.
Managing a prone horse
Good doers and native breeds need the tightest control. A grazing muzzle, a track system, and strip grazing all reduce intake. Ask your vet to test for metabolic conditions if your horse gains weight easily or has had laminitis before, and support recovery with correct trimming and soft footing.
