Researchers in Vienna examined the utility of using heart rate and heart rate variability to estimate the degree of pain felt by 12 horses with clinically obvious laminitis compared to five unaffected control horses. In addition, heart rates were compared to the Obel pain scale, historically used to describe the severity of laminitis pain where “1” is used for horses that shift their weight from one foot to another while standing or are lame only at a trot and “4” is used for horses that are very reluctant or refuse to move.

Though it was first introduced 5 years ago, Zoetis' Dormosedan Gel is still relatively new to many farriers. It is a drug that works to gain a sedated state in horses.

The American Association of Equine Practitioners reminds owners that vigilance demands proper communication among all barn workers at the outset of an outbreak.