25/05/2026
Laminitis or Founder
“What is it?”
Put simply, laminitis means inflammation of the laminae within the hoof.
Each hoof contains roughly 600 laminae made up of two layers: the epidermal laminae (attached to the inside of the hoof wall) and the dermal laminae (attached to the pedal/coffin bone). These layers interlock like velcro and are responsible for suspending the pedal bone securely within the hoof capsule.
When laminitis occurs, these laminae weaken and begin to separate. In severe cases, the pedal bone can rotate or sink downward within the hoof. In the worst-case scenario, the pedal bone may pe*****te the sole, exposing the corium and bone itself — a catastrophic and potentially fatal outcome.
Laminitis is one of the leading causes of euthanasia in horses. However, recognising the early warning signs and taking prompt management action can dramatically improve outcomes and may save your horse from this extremely painful condition.
“So how do we recognise it?”
Sub-clinical / Early Stage
In the early stages, signs can be subtle and are often easiest to identify in the hoof itself.
Common signs include:
-Stretching or widening of the white line, most obvious at the toe
-Blood staining within the white line
-Rings or ridges on the outer hoof wall indicating previous laminitic episodes
-A dished or curved appearance to the hoof wall
-Seedy toe or recurrent hoof abscesses caused by weakening of the white line
Acute Laminitis
Signs may include:
-Lameness or reluctance to walk
-Pain when turning
-Reluctance to stand or move
-Heat in the hooves
-A strong digital pulse, increased vitals, sweating
-Standing with the front feet stretched out in front and the hind legs camped underneath to relieve pressure — commonly referred to as the “founder stance”
Chronic Laminitis
In chronic cases, the pedal bone begins to lose its normal position within the hoof capsule.
You may notice:
-A visible “laminar wedge” in place of the normal white line
-Sole distortion or sole bulging
-Changes in hoof shape and growth patterns
-In severe cases, protrusion of the corium or pedal bone through the sole
-Severe lameness
“So what causes it?”
There is still some ongoing debate within the equine scientific community regarding laminitis, however most experts agree there are multiple causes and contributing factors.
Insulin Dysregulation (Most Common Cause)
The most common cause is insulin dysregulation, often associated with excessive or irregular sugar intake.
This is particularly common in horses with:
Equine Metabolic Syndrome and or Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (Cushings disease). However, laminitis can absolutely occur in otherwise healthy or even underweight horses as well.
Common triggers include:
-Sudden spikes in sugar levels of pasture
-Grain overload or overfeeding (beware of apples and bread a treat can be enough to trigger a horse or pony prone to Laminitis into an episode)
-High sugar in hay
Management Is Key
Good management plays a huge role in prevention and recovery.
Helpful strategies include:
-Strip grazing or using a track system to reduce pasture intake while encouraging movement or grazing muzzles
-Feeding hay in slow feeders
-Soaking hay for 20 minutes to 1 hour to reduce soluble sugars
-Smaller feeds more often as opposed to one large feed daily
-Maintaining regular exercise where appropriate
-Encouraging movement to stimulate healthy blood flow within the hoof movement and circulation are extremely important for maintaining healthy laminae. Hand walking, lunging, ponying or riding are great options.
Other Major Causes of Laminitis
Support Limb Laminitis
Support limb laminitis commonly occurs following injury to the opposite limb. Because the horse overloads the “good” leg for prolonged periods, reduced circulation and excessive loading can trigger laminar damage.
Sepsis-Related Laminitis
Sepsis-related laminitis occurs secondary to severe infection or systemic inflammation. This is commonly seen in mares with retained placentas, but can also follow serious illness, colic, or infection.
Laminitis is a medical emergency and should always be taken seriously. Early intervention from your veterinarian, hoof care provider, and appropriate management can significantly improve prognosis and comfort for the horse.
Recognising subtle hoof changes before severe pain develops can make all the difference.
Thanks for reading guys I hope this helps. We are committed to continual learning, for the horse. Helping owners and horses overcome challenges, if you need a hand with laminitis management, please feel free to reach out.
References:
https://vetsurgery.com.au/2024/12/18/equine-health-laminitis-equine-metabolic-syndrome-equine-cushings-disease-the-difference-and-how-we-manage-them/
https://balancedequine.com.au/grass-laminitis/
Equine Veterinarians Australia
Australian Hoof Trimmers
