. Laminitis is considered a veterinary emergency because of its life-threatening nature. Damage to the structure of the hooves may cause persistent pain and lameness in your horse and in the worst cases the pedal bone may rotate and drop through the sole of the foot.

Signs to watch out for include: lameness or strange gait, reluctance to move or lying down excessively, heat in hooves, throbbing digital pulses and an unusual stance.

X-rays of the hooves are needed to establish the position of the pedal bone, which guides accurate corrective trimming or shoeing. We have had great success in recent years with an array of special shoes tailored to each horse that are designed to take the pressure off the inflamed sensitive laminae, and allow new hoof growth to occur. In addition to corrective shoeing, various management techniques can be commenced immediately to provide pain relief and support to your horse during a laminitis episode.

Call us immediately on 6241 8888 if you have concerns about laminitis in your horse – we can give you important preventative and first-aid advice and organise an examination of your horse promptly to avoid long-term damage.