| Laminitis or "founder" is a common illness known | | | | symptoms. Veterinary Treatments are discussed |
| about by horse lovers from an early age, as | | | | in depth in the full version of this article at |
| native ponies on pasture that is too lush are | | | | Things you can do for yourself: Warm water |
| common victims. It is caused by inflammation of | | | | hosing and warm compresses will increase the |
| the laminae in the hoof. Although traditionally | | | | blood supply to the distal hoof, so is better than |
| associated with ponies, it can affect donkeys, | | | | cold hosing. Taped on frog supports may be |
| mules and horses as well. | | | | helpful, and box rest is recommended. |
| Copyright (c) 2008 The Naturally Healthy Laminitis | | | | Complementary Therapies: Herbal Remedies: |
| or "founder" is a common illness known about by | | | | There are several herbs that can help detoxify |
| horse lovers from an early age, as native ponies | | | | the body, initiate healing, and help digestion, so |
| on pasture that is too lush are common victims. It | | | | aiding prevention. For a full list see th full version |
| is caused by inflammation of the laminae in the | | | | of this article. |
| hoof. | | | | Aromatics/ Aromatherapy: A number of aromatic |
| In this article I will discuss how it happens and | | | | oils can be offered for a horse to self select by |
| ways of managing laminitis. | | | | inhalation or licking. |
| How does Laminitis happen? The sensitive laminae | | | | Healing: Healing with Reiki or Spiritual healing can |
| lie between the wall of the hoof and the pedal | | | | help calm a horse and bring in her own self-healing |
| bone. As this area gets inflamed, the feet | | | | abilities, reducing pain and inducing relaxation. The |
| become extremely painful. The illness is often | | | | effect may be enhanced with the use of cetain |
| associated with over-eating, especially where | | | | crystals, such as sodalite and yellow jasper for |
| grass is lush. | | | | digestive problems. Magnetic therapy can also |
| More rarely it may be associated with any | | | | boost healing. |
| situation associated with toxaemia or septicaemia, | | | | Bach Flower Remedies: Selection of appropriate |
| and it is also seen in Cushing 's disease, obesity, | | | | Bach flower remedies depends on the personality |
| and hypothyroidism. | | | | and current mood of your horse, so it is better |
| The blood supply to the foot is affected, and in | | | | to seek expert advice to get the optimal remedy |
| severe cases there is some separation of the | | | | combination. Rescue remedy is useful in |
| laminae from the hoof wall. | | | | emergency situations and can be given frequently |
| It is possible that laminitis is related to a build up | | | | while awaiting the vet's visit. |
| of toxic metals such as aluminium, as acid rain falls | | | | Homeopathy: Homeopathy works best if you |
| and the chemicals are concentrated in cereals. | | | | consult a trained veterinary homeopath, as the |
| Clinical Signs of Laminitis: The forefeet tend to be | | | | specific remedies can be targeted to your horse. |
| affected more than the hind feet, so affected | | | | In particular, remedies to support detoxification |
| horses will appear to lean back as they try to | | | | and the liver, and those to help the circulation, |
| ease their weight off the fore-feet. | | | | would be beneficial in laminitis. |
| In acute laminitis, there is constant pain with | | | | Acupuncture: The acupuncture meridian for the |
| distress and sweating. The feet may feel hot or | | | | liver extends into the forefeet, and acupuncture |
| cold. | | | | and acupressure treatment along this meridian is |
| Prevention: Keep your horse or pony slim, and | | | | considered helpful with laminitis. |
| when overweight, do not turn her out. Restricted | | | | Conclusion: Laminitis remains a serious and painful |
| turn out or turn out with a muzzle or in a yard | | | | condition, with serious effects early in the disease. |
| are needed at the most laminitis-prone times of | | | | Calling the vet is essential as soon as the illness is |
| year (often March and September). | | | | suspected, but we can do plenty to prevent it, |
| Current Western Treatments: Call a veterinary | | | | and to support our equines while awaiting the vet |
| surgeon early with laminitis. Irreversible damage | | | | and in conjunction with veterinary management. |
| may occur within twelve hours of the onset of | | | | |