Caring for the Laminitic Horse on Stall Rest

Horses with the hoof disease laminitis can end up on long-term box rest while their feet heal. Caretakers should take several steps to ensure these horses don’t deteriorate mentally or physically during that time. Nicola Jarvis, BVetMed, Cert AVP (EM), Cert AVP (ESST), MRCVS, head of veterinary care at Redwings Horse Sanctuary, in Norfolk, U.K., offered some advice.

Enrichment for Laminitic Horses

“With laminitis, you can’t take them out and about for walks to make their days more interesting,” she said. “What you can do is provide enrichment in many other ways.”

For example, you can stick small pieces of apple, carrot, and forage into a braided lead rope and hang it in the horse’s stall. You can also cut holes in old rubber boots and stuff them with a small amount of hay, so it acts as a slow trickle feeder.

Similarly, spread the horse’s food ration out into many small offerings throughout the day. “You are mimicking trickle feeding and trying to keep that horse entertained,” said Jarvis.

Keeping Horses Comfortable

Laminitis typically affects a horse’s front hooves. The horse might be reluctant to lower his or her head to eat because doing so puts more weight on already sore feet. Jarvis suggested raising feeders or buckets up on old tires.

Outfit the horse’s stall with a supportive material, such as sand, compost, or deep shavings, that’s comfortable for him or her to stand on. Bed right up to the stall door, since that’s where many horses like to stand, and create deep banks of bedding against the stall wall. This will make it easier for the horse to stand up after lying down to relieve his or her sore feet.

Lastly, Jarvis recommended installing an inexpensive camera in the horse’s stall to monitor signs of pain and discomfort.