Equine laminitis of alimentary origin: an experimental model

Acute alimentary form of laminitis was uniformly induced in 11 of 12 horses by administration of a starch and wood flour gruel and could be graded by previously established (Obel) and presently defined criteria. The experimentally induced laminitis was similar to naturally occurring laminitis, as determined on the basis of lameness severity and vital signs. Packed cell volume, leukocyte count, and total protein were significantly increased (P smaller than 0.05) at 24 and 40 hours after administration of gruel. Arterial systolic and diastolic pressures increased, central venous pressure decreased, heart rate increased, and rectal temperature increased consistently within the 56-hour experimental period. Of the 11 affected horses, 7 horses had Obel grade 3 lameness (horse moved most reluctantly and vigorously resisted attempts to lift a forefoot) at 40 hours after gruel was placed in the alimentary tract, 2 horses had Obel grade 3 lameness at 32 hours, and 2 horses had Obel grade 3 lameness at 48 hours.