| Copyright (c) 2008 The Naturally Healthy Laminitis or | | | | and warm compresses will increase the blood supply |
| "founder" is a common illness known about by horse | | | | to the distal hoof, so is better than cold hosing. Taped |
| lovers from an early age, as native ponies on pasture | | | | on frog supports may hell, and 30 days box rest is |
| that is too lush are common victims. It is caused by | | | | recommended. |
| inflammation of the laminae in the hoof. | | | | Complementary Therapies: Herbal Remedies: There |
| This article will cover how laminitis happens and ways | | | | are several herbs that can help detoxify the body, |
| of managing it. | | | | initiate healing, and help digestion, so aiding prevention. |
| How does Laminitis happen? The sensitive laminae lie | | | | For a full list see th full version of this article. |
| between the wall of the hoof and the pedal bone. As | | | | Aromatics/ Aromatherapy: A number of aromatic oils |
| this area gets inflamed, the feet become extremely | | | | can be offered for a horse to self select by inhalation |
| painful. The illness is often associated with over-eating, | | | | or licking. |
| especially where grass is lush. | | | | Healing: Healing with Reiki or Spiritual healing can help |
| More rarely it may be associated with any situation | | | | calm a horse and bring in her own self-healing abilities, |
| associated with toxaemia or septicaemia, and it is also | | | | reducing pain and inducing relaxation. The effect may |
| seen in Cushing 's disease, obesity, and hypothyroidism. | | | | be enhanced with the use of cetain crystals, such as |
| The blood supply to the foot is affected, and in severe | | | | sodalite and yellow jasper for digestive problems. |
| cases, there is separation of the laminae from the | | | | Magnetic therapy can also boost healing. |
| hoof wall. | | | | Bach Flower Remedies: Selection of appropriate Bach |
| It is possible that laminitis is related to a build up of toxic | | | | flower remedies depends on the personality and |
| metals such as aluminium, as acid rain falls and the | | | | current mood of your horse, so it is better to seek |
| chemicals are concentrated in cereals. | | | | expert advice to get the optimal remedy combination. |
| Clinical Signs of Laminitis: The forefeet tend to be | | | | Rescue remedy is useful in emergency situations and |
| affected more than the hind feet, so affected horses | | | | can be given frequently while awaiting the vet's visit. |
| will appear to lean back as they try to ease their | | | | Homeopathy: Homeopathy works best if you consult a |
| weight off the fore-feet. | | | | trained veterinary homeopath, as the specific remedies |
| In acute laminitis, there is constant pain with distress | | | | can be targeted to your horse. In particular, remedies |
| and sweating. The feet may feel hot or cold. | | | | to support detoxification and the liver, and those to help |
| Prevention: Keep your horse or pony slim, and when | | | | the circulation, would be beneficial in laminitis. |
| overweight, do not turn her out. Restricted turn out or | | | | Acupuncture: The acupuncture meridian for the liver |
| turn out with a muzzle or in a yard are needed at the | | | | extends into the forefeet, so acupuncture and |
| most laminitis-prone times of year (often March and | | | | acupressure treatment along this meridian is likely to |
| September). | | | | help with laminitis. |
| Current Western Treatments: Call a veterinary | | | | Conclusion: Laminitis remains a serious and painful |
| surgeon early with laminitis. Irreversible damage may | | | | condition, with irreversible effects early in the disease. |
| occur within twelve hours of the onset of symptoms. | | | | Calling the vet is essential as soon as the illness is |
| Veterinary Treatments are discussed in depth in the | | | | suspected, but we can do plenty to prevent it, and to |
| full version of this article at | | | | support our equines while awaiting the vet and in |
| Things you can do for yourself: Warm water hosing | | | | conjunction with veterinary management. |