Page 262 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

growth rings that are wider at the heels than the toe.

VetBooks.ir Treatment

Laminitis should be regarded as an emergency, since prompt treatment can make a significant
difference to the outcome. There are three aims of treatment.

1 TO PREVENT THE CIRCULATING TRIGGER FACTORS REACHING

THE FEET
If the horse eats too much grain or is toxic for any other reason, e.g. retained placenta, the

symptoms of laminitis may not appear for up to 48 hours. If the feet can be immediately and
continuously cooled in a slurry of iced water, the blood vessels to the feet constrict and the

levels of circulating trigger factors reaching the laminae are reduced. Keeping the limbs
cooled for a period of 24–48 hours can help prevent laminitis developing in these high-risk

situations. This preventive treatment should only be used in the developmental stage before
symptoms are observed. The horse tolerates the treatment well and does not find the cold

water uncomfortable as we would. It is performed under veterinary supervision.

2 TO IDENTIFY AND TREAT ANY UNDERLYING CAUSES

Affected animals should immediately be removed from lush or recently fertilized pastures. If
the horse or pony is suffering from an infection or is toxic, the treatment is likely to include:

• antibiotics

• intravenous fluids

• flunixin meglumine, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug which has an anti-endotoxin
effect

• uterine lavage (flushing) and removal of foetal membranes for animals with a retained
placenta

• anti-endotoxin hyperimmune serum may be given to horses at risk of developing

endotoxaemia

If the horse or pony has gorged itself on grain or concentrate mixes:
• mineral oil may be given by stomach tube; this will have a laxative effect and, by coating

the intestinal wall, may help to prevent the absorption of endotoxin

• probiotics may be prescribed to help restore the normal microbial population of the gut
• electrolytes