After the Crash – Lessons from Chronic Laminitis

The internal, anatomical disintegration of the hoof, which accompanies the acute episode, is initially, invisible to the naked eye. With the passage of time however the hoof begins to display the effects wrought upon on it by the pathology of the acute phase. If the initial lamellar pathology is mild the clinical signs of laminitis may abate as the distal phalanx lamellar attachment apparatus repairs. Horses recovering from even the mildest laminitis should be rested and observed closely. If no radiographic evidence of palmar displacement of the distal phalanx within the hoof capsule exists, and the digital pulse is not palpably exaggerated 48 hours after treatment has ceased, the horse can be cautiously returned to its usual function. However if lameness persists and worsens this means that there is on-going displacement of the distal phalanx within the hoof capsule. This process of increasing chronicity after the crash needs to be understood to if we are to care for foundered horses effectively.