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Clinic Hours:
Mon-Fri 8 to 5:30
Sat 8 to 12:00
Location:
31310 Woodhaven Trail
Cannon Falls, MN 55009
Directions/Map
Click here for map
Phone Numbers:
651-258-4050 office
651-258-4051 fax
651-222-0885 Twin Cities
After Hours Pager:
612-740-5673
Email:
info@cannonvet.com
Website Map
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Laminitis
“Laminitis” is defined as any
change of blood flow to the laminae of the foot. It is a
painful and often preventable disease. Are we are killing
our horses with kindness??? Learning about causes, signs,
and treatments may prevent long term damage if laminitis
occurs.
Causes:
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Digestive upset due to grain over load or abrupt
change in diet |
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“Grass Founder” a sudden access to excessive amounts
of lush forage |
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High fever or illness |
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Severe colic |
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Retained placenta in the mare after foaling
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Consumption of cold water after exercise
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Bedding that contains black walnut shavings
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Signs of acute laminitis include the
following:
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Lameness, noticed when a horse is turning circles
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Shifting lameness when standing
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Heat around the coronary band or hooves
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Increased digital pulse in the hooves
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Pain in the toe region when pressure is applied with
hoof testers |
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A “sawhorse stance” with the front legs stretched
out in front to alleviate pressure
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Signs of chronic laminitis include the
following:
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Rings within the hoof wall widen from the coronary
band to the toe |
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Bruised soles or “stone bruises”
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Widened white line, commonly called “seedy toe”
Frequent abscesses occur
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Dropped soles or flat feet
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Thick “cresty” neck
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The
sooner Treatment begins, the better the chance for recovery.
Diagnose and treat the primary problem (Laminitis is a
result of systemic or other health problems in the body)
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Restrict diet; discontinue feeding grain based feeds
and pasture; offer grass hay until advised otherwise
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Treat with mineral oil via nasogastric tube, to
purge their digestive tract, when they have
overeaten |
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Dr. Winter will diagnose and administer the
appropriate drug. |
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Stable the horse on soft ground or bedding to
encourage it to lie down. This will alleviate
pressure from the weakened laminae
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Open and drain abscesses as they develop
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Communication between Dr. Winter and your farrier is
important
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Recovery
can be exceptional or less than expected, and the horse can
still go on to live a long, useful life.
If you are concerned or have questions, contact CVS.
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