What is laminitis? Commonly called founder, laminitis is caused by a metabolic disease. Inside the hoof is a structure called laminae made of epithelial tissue. The laminae are what support the distal phalanx or coffin bone and the hoof wall. Laminitis occurs when the blades begin to degenerate. When the laminae begin to degenerate, there is no longer support for the coffin bone inside the hoof wall. Depending on severity, the coffin bone may pass through the sole of the hoof. Laminitis can affect all four feet, but is most common in the forelimbs. Types of Laminitis There are four types of laminitis that vary in severity. The type can be caused by their lifestyle, such as developmental laminitis. However, all horses are prone to laminitis. Types include developmental laminitis, acute laminitis, subacute laminitis, and chronic laminitis. Signs associated with laminitisThe signs of laminitis are lameness. Pain in the feet located proximally towards the digits. The pulse found on the figure is very strong. The way the horse stands is an abnormal position. This is usually the front legs extended with the rear legs tucked underneath, as in the picture to the right. Laminitis can also affect the horse's gait. The horse may have a shortened gait and you may have difficulty turning him. Due to the pain, the horse may suffer from tachycardia and have an increased respiratory rate. The horse may have a high temperature or even a fever. Affected limbs will be hot to the touch and if touched around the coronary band they may feel hot. Additionally, the pain will manifest as lying down for long periods of time, which is very unusual for a horse. The pain will also be d...... middle of paper ...... depending on the severity of the laminitis depends on how the shoeing should be done. One type of shoeing may work for one horse, but it may not work for the next horse. So communication is very important when trying to get a shoeing method that will work for your horse's laminitis case. An example of how to shoe a horse with a moderate degree of rotation would be to cut the toe back and the heel. A frog stand can also be used. Use deep bedding in the stall for extra support and cushion for the sole of the hoof. Horses that contract laminitis and recover will have a higher risk of developing it again. It is very important to eliminate the cause to prevent laminitis from recurring. In severe cases, euthanasia may be considered due to infection, necrosis, and digging of the coffin bone into the sole of the hoof..