08/02/2025
What Is Founder (Laminitis)?
“Founder” is the common term for laminitis, a painful and potentially devastating condition affecting the laminae—the soft tissues that connect the hoof wall to the coffin bone inside the hoof. When these tissues become inflamed or damaged, they weaken and can lead to the rotation or sinking of the coffin bone, which is extremely painful and sometimes irreversible.
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⚠️ Causes of Laminitis
There are several known causes, including:
• Overfeeding rich feed (grain overload or lush pasture, especially in spring or fall)
• Obesity and metabolic disorders (e.g. Equine Metabolic Syndrome, Cushing’s/PPID)
• Excessive concussion on hard surfaces (road founder)
• Retained placenta or endotoxemia (in mares post-foaling)
• Overuse of corticosteroids (in sensitive horses)
• Uneven weight-bearing due to injury in another limb (supporting-limb laminitis)
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🔍 Signs of Laminitis
• Reluctance to move, stiff gait or “walking on eggshells”
• Shifting weight between front feet
• Heat in the hooves and strong digital pulse
• Standing with hind legs camped under and front legs stretched forward (classic founder stance)
• Lameness, especially in front hooves
• Visible rings on the hoof wall (with chronic cases)
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🛡️ Prevention of Founder
1. Diet Management
• Limit access to lush pasture (especially in spring/fall)
• Use grazing muzzles or dry lots when necessary
• Feed low-sugar, low-starch forage
• Avoid high-carbohydrate feeds unless absolutely necessary
2. Weight Control
• Keep horses at a healthy body condition score (BCS of 4–5 out of 9)
• Monitor and manage obesity-related risks like Equine Metabolic Syndrome
3. Routine Hoof Care
• Trim hooves regularly to maintain proper balance and alignment
• Work with a knowledgeable farrier familiar with laminitic horses
4. Veterinary Care
• Annual exams, especially for metabolic testing
• Monitor for signs of Cushing’s/PPID in older horses
5. Post-Injury Management
• Protect the sound limbs of horses with non-weight-bearing injuries to avoid supporting-limb laminitis
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🏥 Treatment of Laminitis
Acute Laminitis (Emergency)
• Call your veterinarian immediately
• Strict stall rest on deep bedding
• Cold therapy (ice water baths for hooves in early stages)
• Anti-inflammatory medications (e.g. phenylbutazone or flunixin)
• Pain management is critical
Chronic or Subacute Laminitis
• Radiographs to assess coffin bone position
• Corrective shoeing or trimming to support the foot and redistribute weight
• Ongoing monitoring by vet and farrier
• Weight loss and dietary changes
• Management of any underlying conditions (PPID, EMS, etc.)
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⚠️ Important Note
Once a horse has had laminitis, they are at much higher risk of recurrence. Prevention becomes lifelong management.
