Laminitis in Horses: Causes, Symptoms and Prevention

Laminitis is one of the most feared conditions in horses. It is an inflammation of the sensitive connection between the pedal bone and the hoof capsule (the laminae). In the worst case the pedal bone detaches and rotates or sinks. Laminitis is always a veterinary emergency – the sooner you act, the better the prognosis.

The main causes

Diet-related laminitis (most common)

Too much easily available sugar – especially fructan from pasture grass – overloads the metabolism. Sunny, cold or dry days, when grass accumulates a lot of fructan, are particularly risky. Read more in Fructan in Grass: When Is the Risk Highest?.

Metabolism: EMS and Cushing's

Horses with Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) or Cushing's (PPID) have impaired insulin regulation and are considerably more prone to laminitis. Overweight ponies and native breeds are the classic risk group.

Overload, poisoning, foaling

Overloading hard ground (support-limb laminitis), severe infections, poisoning or a retained placenta can also trigger laminitis.

Symptoms: recognising early signs

The earlier you notice laminitis, the better. Watch for:

• Stiff, pottery gait, especially on hard ground and when turning.
• Heel-first landing: the horse puts the hooves down over the heels and offloads the toe.
• Typical relieving stance: forelegs stretched forward, weight shifted to the rear.
• Increased digital pulse at the toe arteries (a throbbing felt above the hoof).
• Warm hooves and sensitivity to pressure in the toe area.
• Frequent shifting of weight, reluctance to move, in severe cases lying down.

First aid – what to do if you suspect it?

• Call the vet immediately – laminitis is an emergency.
• Do not force the horse to walk; move it onto soft, deep ground or thick bedding.
• Stop concentrate feed and pasture at once, offer only low-sugar hay.
• Cooling the hooves can help in the acute phase – but always in consultation with the vet.

Prevention

The best laminitis is the one that never happens:

• Pasture management: limit grazing time on high-risk days (sunny-cold, frost, drought). The fructan traffic light shows the daily risk.
• Keep an eye on weight – obesity is the biggest avoidable risk factor.
• Investigate the metabolism (EMS/Cushing's) in case of repeated problems.
• Introduce grazing slowly in spring – see Safe Spring Grazing.
• Use a grazing muzzle if needed and portioned grazing instead of free access.

Important: This article does not replace veterinary advice. If your horse is laminitis-prone or has EMS or Cushing's, always coordinate management with your vet.