What is Laminitis? Commonly called laminitis, laminitis is caused by a metabolic disease. Inside the hoof there is a structure called laminae made up of epithelial tissue. The laminae are what support the distal phalanx or coffin bone and the hoof wall. Laminitis is when the laminae begin to degenerate. When the laminae begin to degenerate there is no longer support for the coffin bone within the hoof wall. Depending on the severity, the coffin bone can actually cross the sole of the hoof. Laminitis can affect all four feet, but is more common in the forelimbs. Types of Laminitis There are four types of laminitis that vary in their severity. The type can be caused by their lifestyle, such as developmental laminitis. However, all horses are susceptible to laminitis. Types include developmental laminitis, acute laminitis, subacute laminitis, and chronic laminitis. Signs associated with laminitis The signs of laminitis are lameness. Foot pain located at the proximal end towards the toes. The impulse located on the finger is very strong. The way the horse is standing is an abnormal position. This usually consists of the front legs stretched out with the back legs tucked underneath as in the image to the right. Laminitis can also affect the horse's gait. The horse may have a shortened gait and you may have difficulty turning it. Due to the pain, the horse may present tachycardia and have an increased respiratory rate. The horse may present with a high temperature which is pyrexia. Affected limbs will be warm to the touch and may be warm if touched around the coronary band. Pain will also occur when lying down for long periods of time, which is very unusual for a horse. The pain will also be d......middle of paper......depending on the severity of the laminitis depends on how the shoeing should be done. One type of shoeing may work for one horse, but it may not work for the next horse, so communication is very important when trying to get a shoeing method that works for your horse's case of laminitis. An example of a way to shoe a horse with a moderate degree of rotation would be to trim the toe back and trim the heel. A frog stand can also be used. Use deep bedding in the stall for extra support and cushion for the sole of the hoof. Horses that suffer from laminitis and recover will have a higher risk of developing it again. It is very important to eliminate the cause to prevent laminitis from recurring. In more serious cases, euthanasia may be considered due to infection, necrosis and collapse of the coffin bone into the sole of the hoof..