Sheet

fact sheet

hoke laminitis

a relatively common condition seen in horses es and is typically caused bysimplest obstruction of is the Laminitis, in its form, gus (food pipe) with food; occasionally a foreign inflammation of the sensitive layers be involved(laminae) e.g. woodoforthe plastic. Fortunately hoof resulting in pain, ses of chokeinflammation resolve quickly and and, in spontaneously some cases, cases in which the obstruction lasts forlaminae. longer permanent damage to the minutes are The likelylaminae to require assistance. areveterinary interwoven specialised ortant to note that this is not the same as the the ‘leaves’ of tissue which suspend atening condition in humans, where the term pedal bone within the hoof. In very mild refers to blockage the windpipe rather than the cases, of appropriate treatment will resolve agus. This difference means that unlike humans, the problem with no lasting effect. If the with choke can still breathe. inflammation is more severe and progressive, the sensitive laminae may lose their blood supply, resulting in loss of support between the pedal bone and horny hoof wall. This can lead to separation of the pedal bone from the hoof with rotation and/or sinking of the bone within the hoof. In severe cases penetration of the sole by the tip of the pedal bone can follow, with fatal consequences.

Typical sTance of pony suffering from laminiTis

symptoms Laminitis is characterised by lameness involving one or more feet which is often rapid in onset. Most often both front feet are affected, but hind feet can be involvedDENTAL as well. EXAMINATIONS Occasionally laminitis REGULAR AND occurs in only one foot, often as a result of excessive TREATMENT CAN REDUCE THE RISK OF CHOKE load bearing due to a severe lameness of the opposite leg. Affected horses show a characteristic, pottery KEY POINTS gait landing with the heel first. The condition is much worse when asked to walk on a firm surface or when often weight and shift and • Don’tturning. panic!When Chokeresting, is rarelythey life-threatening stand with the hind limbs placed further underneath many cases will resolve spontaneously. body. • Seektheveterinary advice if the choke lasts more than Physicaland examination usually identifies an increase of 30 minutes while waiting for the vet remove all often (butand notworsening always) the foot foodthe to digital preventpulse your and horse eating feels hot. Application of hoof testers to the sole in the obstruction front of the frog will result in a painful response. • Following an episode of choke it is worth monitoring your horse’s respiratory rate (normal