Laminitis: Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention

Laminitis has been described in many species, but is most common in the equine and bovine. Although bovine laminitis is most common in lactating dairy cows, it has been reported in all ages and sexes. Laminitis is an inflammation of the laminar corium of the hoof wall, and also includes the sole corium in the bovine definition. In general, the term laminitis is used to describe a systemic disease affecting not only the hooves, but also the general condition of the animal. Researchers believe that the inflammation is primarily associated with a dysfunction of the digital vasculatory system that results in hypoxia and malnutrition of the sensitive laminar structure in the hoof wall. The etiology of the circulatory disturbance is not fully understood and there are some possible explanations related to nutrition, which will be discussed later. Due to mechanical stretching of the attachment between the inner and outer laminar structures of the hoof wall, which has been affected by inflammation (i.e. laminitis), the claw bone can rotate and or sink inside the hoof. Depending on the severity of the initial lesion, the mobility of the claw bone inside the capsule and the counter pressure on the sole from hard floors, the sole corium can suffer contusions and secondary lesions of the sole area can develop.