What is laminitis in horses?
Laminitis is a painful inflammation of the internal structures of the hoof, considered a veterinary emergency.
Detailed explanation
Laminitis (also called founder) is the inflammation of the laminae that connect the coffin bone to the hoof wall. It is extremely painful and, in severe cases, can lead to rotation or sinking of the bone within the hoof, with irreversible consequences. Common causes include an excess of rich pasture or cereals, metabolic problems (Cushing's syndrome, equine metabolic syndrome), and overloading. It is a veterinary emergency: if a horse is reluctant to move and shifts its weight backward, immediate action is required.
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