A Review of the Pathophysiology and Treatment of Acute Laminitis: Pathophsiologic and Therapeutic Implications of Endothelin-1

The pathophysiology of acute laminitis remains poorly understood despite substantial scientific investigation over the last 20 yr. Evidence would suggest that ischemic and inflammatory cascades are involved. Evidence from our laboratory suggests that endothelin-1 is involved in the digital microvascular alterations characteristic of acute laminitis. Although current therapies are varied and inconsistent in their effectiveness, newer, novel, and more effective treatments can only be developed as we gain a better understanding of the pathophysiology of this devastating disease. Based on information from our laboratory, further investigation into the potential therapeutic use of endothelin antagonists for the prevention and treatment of laminitis in horses is warranted. Authors’ addresses: Equine Health Studies Program, Departments of Veterinary Clinical Sciences (Eades, Moore) and Comparative Biomedical Sciences (Holm, Moore), School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803. © 2002 AAEP.