Laminitis treatment strategies for horses, mules, or donkeys (equids) depends on the cause and severity of the disease. Strategies can include immediate cryotherapy, insulin monitoring, drug therapy, dietary modifications, and specialized foot care and shoeing. Any of these could become lifetime requirements for controlling chronic or repeated bouts of this disease. 

Laminitis can weaken the laminae in the hoof and allow the coffin bone to sink and/or rotate downward. This can cause a permanent deformity. In severe cases, horse owners might be forced to euthanize the animal as the only humane option due to the severity of pain. Survivors of the disease might never be sound again.

Cryotherapy for Laminitis

Researchers have shown cryotherapy, or cold therapy, to be effective in managing acute laminitis by reducing inflammation and pain. Immediately cooling the animal’s affected hooves and lower limbs in ice water or an ice water boot can reduce inflammation and slow the progression of lamellar damage. 

Endocrine Issues and Laminitis

Regular insulin monitoring is crucial for managing horses with metabolic laminitis. Insulin directly damages the lamellae, therefore keeping it under control is essential for prevention and management of this form of laminitis. Dietary modifications, such as providing a low-sugar and low-starch diet, can play key roles in managing and preventing this disease. 

Certain medications can help regulate insulin levels in horses with metabolic disease. This can help manage or even prevent the condition. 

Hoof Care

Proper foot care and shoeing can help alleviate pain and promote stability in laminitic horses. Supporting the damaged lamellae is critical to prevent additional damage to the tissues.

If a horse has rotation of the coffin bone, then additional shoeing and support strategies can be brought into play by your farrier and veterinarian.

Confinement and Rest

During and after an acute bout of laminitis, it is important that horses receive adequate rest in a confined area that doesn’t allow them to put too much strain on the lamellae whilst still weakened. A good rule of thumb is to rest and confine the horse for 1 week for every day it was lame during a laminitic episode. 

Adequate rest and confinement, even when the horse starts to improve/appear sound, is critical in order to ensure the best possible long-term outcome. 

Hand-walking (controlled, low-intensity exercise) might be appropriate in some cases during the rehabilitation process. Consult your veterinarian for a plan.

Further Reading