Botox for Laminitis, not Wrinkles

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center injected botulinum toxin (Botox) into the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) muscle in an experiment to investigate the effects on foot biomechanics.

The hypothesis was that paralysis of the DDFT muscle would decrease the ground reaction force (GRF) at the toe, decrease the DDFT pull on the coffin bone and shift the center of pressure (COP) toward the toe. These effects, if realized, could be useful in reducing the pain of acute laminitis and help prevent rotation of the coffin bone.

A single forelimb of six clinically normal horses with no history of laminitis was injected, while the opposite limb served as an untreated control. Ground reaction forces were measured using the Tekscan pressure mapping sensor membrane attached to the solar surface of the hoof while the horses were standing and moving in hand at a walk across a firm surface. 

Measurements were obtained 3 days after the injections as well as at 1, 2, 4 and 6 weeks while barefoot, as well as with three orthotic shoes (wooden clog, 20-degree cuff and urethane cushion) taped in place on the treated limb.

There were no local or systemic adverse reactions and no lameness noted following the injections. At 1 week, there was a reduction in the peak GRF, as well as a palmar shift of the COP toward the heels. At 2 weeks, these changes were no longer apparent. All the orthotic shoes reduced the peak…