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The digital pathologies of chronic laminitis
D A Grosenbaugh1, S J Morgan, D M Hood
1Department of Animal Health Research and Development, Abbott Laboratories, North Chicago, Illinois, USA.
The Veterinary Clinics of North America. Equine Practice
|September 3, 1999
Summary
Chronic laminitis in horses is unique due to variable digital pathologies, not just mechanical failure. Understanding these non-mechanical issues is key to improving treatment outcomes for difficult cases.
Area of Science:
- Equine Podiatry
- Veterinary Pathology
Background:
- Chronic laminitis presents with significant patient-to-patient variability.
- Mechanical failure of the distal phalanx is a constant factor, but other pathologies differ.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the variable digital pathologies contributing to chronic laminitis.
- To determine the impact of these pathologies on prognosis and treatment refractoriness.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of chronic laminitis cases.
- Analysis of contributing factors: mechanical, metabolic, vascular, and infectious.
Main Results:
- Variability in chronic laminitis stems from the presence and severity of secondary pathologies (metabolic, growth, vascular, sepsis).
- These non-mechanical pathologies significantly influence prognosis more than distal phalanx displacement alone.
- Combined pathologies often lead to treatment-refractory cases.
Conclusions:
- Focusing on the physiopathology and diagnosis of non-mechanical laminitis pathologies is crucial for better rehabilitation outcomes.
- Horses without these secondary pathologies may tolerate significant distal phalanx displacement without pain or need for intervention.