[Animal welfare in prevention and therapy of laminitis]

Abstract

Laminitis is a systemic disease which is manifested as a non infectious condition in the foot. The management of feeding and housing conditions is necessary to treat the endocrinological and metabolic disturbances of laminitic horses. The Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) is predisposing for developing laminitis, and it is characterised by obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension and dyslipidaemia. A genetical predisposition is supposed and EMS is accompanied by a lack of exercise and inadequate energy intake. Laboratory examinations are of great importance for diagnosis. Analyses of insulin, glucose and ACTH are of interest. Several approaches to treat laminitis are available, including pharmacological and orthopaedic strategies as well as the management of the feeding and housing conditions. However, the prophylaxis to prevent laminitis has to be emphasised. Predisposed horses should be detected and adequately treated; especially weight reduction in obese horses is in the focus of interest. Horses in the acute stage of laminitis have to be stabled. Furthermore redistributing weight from the most stressed wall is necessary to prevent pain and to minimise laminar damage and displacement of the distal phalanx. In cases of displacement of the distal phalanx a close communication between the veterinarian and the authorised farrier is necessary, in these cases treatment should be supported by x-ray diagnosis. Horses have to be treated with NSAISs to ensure a proper therapy to consider animal welfare. Horses have to be fed with hay and supplemented with minerals and vitamins. Feeding exclusively straw and feed restriction has to be avoided.