What is Endocrinopathic laminitis?

Endocrinopathic laminitis (EL) is a vascular condition of the equine hoof resulting in severe lameness with both welfare and economic implications. Vascular dysfunction, most commonly due to endothelial dysfunction, is associated with cardiovascular risk in people with metabolic syndrome and Cushing’s syndrome.

How do you treat Shetland laminitis?

Vets recommend low sugar feeds and can make them more comfortable with pony anti-inflammatory medicine, to reduce the swelling that causes the pain inside the hooves. They can also x-ray the ponies’ hooves to see what’s happening inside. The farriers can also help with frequent hoof trimming as their feet grow quickly.

Can chronic laminitis be cured?

Laminitis is a crippling condition which can be fatal in severe cases. Once a horse has had an episode of laminitis, they are particularly susceptible to future episodes. Laminitis can be managed but not cured which is why prevention is so important.

How is acute laminitis treated?

Pain management is instituted to help keep the horse as comfortable as possible. Grain should be avoided, and feet should continue to be iced. Medications are given to help control the pain associated with laminitis. Anti-inflammatory medications such as flunixin meglumine and phenylbutazone are commonly given.

How do you treat laminitis in horses?

Laminitis is a medical emergency and horses should be seen by a vet so that they can receive treatment as soon as possible. Various medicines can be given to control the pain including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as phenylbutazone (‘bute’) or flunixin and opiates like morphine and pethidine.

How is laminitis related to endocrinology in horses?

The extent to which these two endocrinological disturbances are related deserves further investigation. Laminitis represents one of the most common and potentially crippling diseases of the adult horse, often resulting in permanent lameness or the need for euthanasia.

What does endocrinopathic laminitis mean in Latin?

Endocrinopathic laminitis is a condition that does exactly what it says on the tin – if you’re fluent in Latin. The prefix ‘endocrin’ refers to the endocrine glands, which are the producers of hormones. In relation to laminitis, insulin is the hormone of interest. The suffix ‘-pathic’ simply means ‘disease’.

What’s the best way to treat laminitis in horses?

The best way to deal with laminitis is preventing the causes under your control. Keep all grain stored securely out of the reach of horses. Introduce your horse to lush pasture gradually. Be aware that when a horse is ill, under stress or overweight, it is especially at risk.

What kind of laminitis does a pony have?

Endocrinopathic laminitis is the form of laminitis that makes Spring time such a stressful season for pony owners. As well as rich pasture, it can also develop in animals on high sugar or high starch dietary supplements. Image: The devastating effect of the detachment of the lamina from the hoof wall is the rotation of the pedal bone.