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Glucocorticoids and laminitis in the horse
Philip J Johnson1, Simon H Slight, Venkataseshu K Ganjam
1Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Clydesdale Hall, Columbia, MO 65211, USA. johnsonpj@missouri.edu
The Veterinary Clinics of North America. Equine Practice
|January 8, 2005
Summary
Corticosteroids (GCs) increase laminitis risk in horses, but whether they cause it directly is debated. Caution is advised, especially with systemic GCs, and local administration may reduce risk.
Area of Science:
- Equine Medicine
- Veterinary Pharmacology
- Animal Pathology
Background:
- Exogenous glucocorticoids (GCs) and GC excess syndromes are linked to increased laminitis risk in adult horses.
- The direct causal role of GCs in laminitis development remains controversial.
- Pathogenesis may differ from laminitis associated with gastrointestinal issues or endotoxemia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential mechanisms by which GCs might contribute to laminitis.
- To provide guidance on the cautious use of GCs in horses.
- To highlight the need for further research into GC effects on equine hoof structure.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and theoretical mechanism analysis.
- Discussion of clinical observations and risk factors.
- Comparison of different GC administration routes and types.
Main Results:
- While direct causation is debated, GCs can induce hoof changes resembling laminitis.
- Systemic GCs pose a higher risk than local administration, particularly inhaled GCs for respiratory conditions.
- Certain GCs (dexamethasone, triamcinolone) may carry greater risk than others (prednisone, prednisolone).
Conclusions:
- Veterinarians should exercise caution when administering GCs to horses, especially those with a history of laminitis.
- Local GC administration, where feasible, is recommended to mitigate laminitis risk.
- Further research is required to elucidate the precise effects of GCs on the equine hoof lamellar interface.