In fact, many attendees were shocked to hear that this may account for 70% of today’s laminitis cases.

First Line of Defence

Dr. Donald Walsh pointed out that farriers represent the first line of defense in the early detection of this form of laminitis. The key is to correct the high level of insulin as early as possible.

He says this is a difficult disease to successfully treat and manage in horses and ponies. The International Equine Veterinarian Hall Of Fame member from Pacific, Mo., and the head of the Animal Health Foundation that provides needed dollars for equine research, says the disease has the potential to cause extensive damage to the feet before clinical signs of laminitis become apparent.

Walsh says early diagnosis and management are critical if the crippling changes seen with this disease are to be avoided. While an affected horse is often seen with a history of acute onset lameness, no amount of trimming or shoeing can fix the concern.

A physical examination normally reveals a dropped sole, abnormal growth rings on the external hoof wall, seedy toe and the hemorrhages between the white line and the external hoof wall. While many of these horses are obese, that’s not always the case.

Walsh says this form of laminitis is associated with elevated levels of insulin. This is often associated with eating spring grass, which pushes already high levels of insulin up even more due to the increased intake of non-structured carbohydrates in the grass.

When this happens, Walsh says these horses are taken off grass, confined in a drylot and given Bute or Banamine. While this treatment appears to lead to improvement, it doesn’t address the high insulin level causes of laminitis.

Early Observation Essential

When a farrier sees the symptoms of endocrinopathic laminitis, it’s essential that the owner immediately be informed. Besides reporting what you’ve seen, explain how the hemorrhages are due to early laminae damage.

Encourage the owner to seek veterinary assistance to check the fasting level of insulin in the horse and to plan an exercise, diet and/or medication program to reduce insulin levels. Cushing’s testing may be needed to make sure the proper drugs are administered.

“Volunteer to contact the owner’s vet and explain what you’re seeing and that you have recommended they test the horse’s fasting insulin level,” says Walsh. “This is a great way to build a valuable relationship with vets in your area. Such conversations are more likely to get the needed testing done after you have explained your findings.”

If the owner and vet both do their part, the foot should return to normal within 6 to 12 months.

But early detection on the part of the farrier and proper follow-up footcare is absolutely essential for effective recovery from this form of laminitis.