Founder, also known as laminitis, is a severe form of hoof damage and inflammation. It causes weak connections between the hoof wall and coffin bone.
This condition typically affects the front hooves, but can also occur in the hind. Depending on how severe the injury, this condition could result in spinning of the pedal bone within the hoof and lead to permanent damage or even death.
What to Expect
Laminitis, also known as founder, is one of the most challenging equine diseases to treat due to its intractable symptoms – swelling and pain in the laminae within the hoof that cannot be alleviated with medication.
Laminitis can be difficult to diagnose, but you can tell if your horse has it by looking for subtle changes in his stance and behavior. He may shift his weight backward or extend his legs out in front of him.
He may take shorter steps and bounce around more frequently as a sign that his feet are feeling the strain.
If you observe any of the warning signs listed above, contact your veterinarian right away. This is an emergency situation and every minute counts in providing treatment.
Preparation
Caregiving a foundered horse can be stressful, so it’s essential to prepare yourself. You must learn how to ride safely and efficiently, as well as have the appropriate equipment.
Laminitis, commonly referred to as founder, is a serious condition that affects horses and ponies’ hooves. It causes the pedal bone to rotate and sink into the sole of the foot, causing intense discomfort.
To prevent founder, feed a balanced diet that does not include too much sugar or starch. Obesity can also be an important risk factor since it makes your horse more prone to developing founder.
Symptoms of founder are easy to spot, such as swelling around the hoof area or an alteration in gait pattern. If you suspect your horse has founder, consult with a veterinarian promptly.
Training
Most owners strive to avoid having their horse diagnosed with foundered disease. It can be a painful and often life-threatening condition.
Founder is a common condition among horses, ponies and donkeys that affects the laminae and coffin bone within the hoof wall. When these structures become inflamed, it can cause rotation or sinking of the coffin bone which causes intense pain and may even lead to permanent damage to your hoof.
Most cases of founder resolve quickly with a gradual return to work; however, more severe episodes may take several months or even a year or longer for recovery.
Successful management of a foundered horse requires time, dedication and commitment from its owner. From administering medications to changing hoof dressings or simply assessing its condition, daily visits and one-on-one attention are essential components for successful management.
Riding
When dealing with a foundered horse, you’ll want to do everything possible to make them comfortable. That includes making daily visits to the barn, administering medication, changing hoof dressings and assessing how they’re feeling.
Combining veterinary care and farrier work can help horses suffering from founder recover and live comfortably. Unfortunately, recovery from founder usually takes time, necessitating long-term management to ensure successful management.
Laminitis, also known as founder, is a chronic hoof condition that can affect both horses and ponies. It develops when the laminae connecting the coffin bone to the hoof wall become inflamed and damaged.
Damage to the hoof wall and coffin bone causes them to separate, leading to pain and soreness at the sole of the foot. This condition is one of the most common causes of disability and lameness in both horses and ponies; depending on its severity, some may require euthanasia for comfort.
Chris is a passionate learner and writer. When he’s not working on his blog or learning something new, he’s a full-time systems administrator and father of two beautiful girls. Chris loves spending time with his family, reading, writing, and playing hockey.