with Greg Leys
(Leys Horseshoeing Pty Ltd)

The most important part of stress laminitis is identifying the cause and getting adequate history of the case at hand eg:

History

• Age of horse
• Breed of horse
• Discipline
• Previous history
• Enviroment

Cause

• Grain overload
• Post operative stress
• Retained placenta
• Cold water ingestion
• Colic
• Trauma

The first question the farrier must ask is - " Has a veterinarian been contacted to attend the case, whether the horse has been administered anti-inflammatory's and has there been radiographs or a venogram preformed".

If so it is imperative for the farrier to talk to the veterinarian to discuss radiographic changes and discuss mechanical treatment.

Once the case has been assessed and have a grasp in the short and long-term prognosis, you must ask the owner one simple question: " What are your goals?" You should never assume that your goals are the same as the owners ie:

• Emotional attachment
• Financial obligation
• Insurance
• Breeding potential

These questions must be discussed in depth with the owner and the veterinarian before treatment is commenced.
Farriers must depend on a veterinarian with a working knowledge of the subject,adequate radiographic equipment and a strong desire for success.

Laminitis patients can be presented in a variety of ways that will require specific data processing dependent on each unique set of circumstances for each case.

The crucial time frame to effectively treat and reduce the long term effects of acute laminitis is within a 12-48 hour period of onset.

After discussion with veterinarian of radiographic changes or if a venogram has been preformed, vascular depression, mechanical shoes can be applied to relieve laminae inflammation and DDFT ( deep digital flexor tendon) pull and give sole and frog support ie:

• Redden modified ultimate wedge
• Cushion support
• Increased break over

After clinical assessment has been achieved with the veterinarian and farrier further treatment can be applied ie:

• Derotation
• Surgical procedures
• DDFT tenotomy
• Therapeutic shoes

Each case is specific and must be treated individually. With my experience the crucial part is working in conjunction with your veterinarian and not be afraid to ask for help from specialists in the field of laminitis both farriers and veterinarians specialising in laminitis. Good experience with a large number of cases is a good asset.

The laminitis syndrome is complex and the range of damage is tremendous, it is a crippling and often fatal disease that affects all breeds of horses.