Dr. Bill Vandergrift of EquiVision, Inc. tells American Farriers Journal about their reputation as an international equine nutrition consulting company, and how their services can help 2013 International Hoof-Care Summit attendees.

A horse comes in from the pasture looking a little bit touchy on his front hooves, almost as though he's walking on eggshells. A common course of action for an owner would be to reach down and feel for unusual warmth in the hooves and coronary bands. Excessive heat was interpreted to indicate the possibility of laminitis. Time-honored practice? Yes. Completely accurate as a predictor? Most likely not, according to recent research.

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The term "whole horse" has been used by many different equine professionals to describe a host of ideas and concepts. In this presentation, Hall Of Fame horseshoer Esco Buff will approach it in terms of a holistic picture in order to restore soundness and wellness to the horse.

What happens in horses' feet during laminitis? What's the difference between laminitis and founder? You will learn three different ways that a horse gets laminitis and the many causes, including Equine Metabolic Syndrome and Cushing's Disease, or "PPID", and support-limb laminitis.

Can you recognize "acute" (sudden onset) laminitis symptoms? How can you help your horse during this medical emergency? Dr. Walsh encourages horse owners to employ the only scientifically-proven method to prevent laminitis: "icing the feet," or "cryotherapy."

Chronic laminitis means a life of ongoing, crippling pain for horses. What can a horse owner do? Dr. Walsh explains long-term ("chronic") laminitis and current methods of hoof mechanics to support damaged feet. He explains abnormal hormones and that Cushing's disease ("PPID") or Equine Metabolic Syndrome may be the underlying cause. You'll learn about hay testing and benefits of soaking hay in water. Finally, Dr. Walsh speaks frankly about putting some horses to sleep because of advanced laminitis.

What are the best horsecare practices to protect your horse from laminitis? What are the risk factors? Can icing the feet help? What might a cresty neck or hoof rings mean? You'll learn to recognize early changes in your horse's feet before laminitis occurs and how to correct hormone levels before horses go lame. Dr. Walsh suggests ways to prevent supporting limb laminitis in horses with leg injuries.