Page 261 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse
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Figure 6.46 X-ray showing rotation and sinking of the pedal bone and a dark shadow at the front of the hoof indicating
trapped gas or fluid
By taking measurements from the X-rays, your vet will be in a position to recommend the
most appropriate treatment and also to gain some idea of the prognosis. A founder distance of
more than 15 mm has a poor prognosis.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography may be used.
Definition of terms
Confusion sometimes arises over the terms used to describe the progression of the disease.
The term ‘laminitis’ has traditionally been used to describe all stages of the disease. Once the
pedal bone has started to rotate and there is a palpable depression above the coronary band at
the front of the hoof the condition becomes an ‘acute founder’. If the pedal bone drops
within the hoof capsule so that the coronary band depression extends all round the hoof, the
affected animal is described as a ‘sinker’. It is possible for the pedal bone to rotate and sink
at the same time (Figure 6.46). ‘Chronic founder’ cases are those where there are changes to
the appearance of the hoof, e.g. dropped or convex soles, concave anterior hoof wall and
