Laminitis vs. Founder
Laminitis
Laminitis = inflammation (“-itis”) of the laminae
Laminae = a thin layer of organic tissue inside the hoof capsule
Laminae tissues suspend the coffin bone to the inner side of the hoof wall. When the laminae experience inflammation, this disrupts the integrity of that connection between the hoof wall and coffin bone.
Laminitis can be subtle or pronounced which can make it difficult to diagnose in the acute or subclinical stage. As horse owners, it is incredibly important to remain aware of the subtle symptoms that can be persistent for an incredibly long period of time - until a catastrophe occurs (such as founder).
Founder
Founder = rotation of the coffin bone
Sometimes this is referred to as chronic laminitis when really it means rotation of the coffin bone which often happens due to repeated laminitic events. When the connection begins to fail, the coffin bone is no longer connected as well to the hoof wall within the hoof capsule.
Sometimes you’ll hear that a horse has “foundered” in the past or is currently “foundering”. This is often due to past or ongoing, chronic, laminitis.
There is such thing as mechanical founder, which can be created due to improper hoof care and/or trimming.
There are varying degrees of founder depending on how much or how far the coffin bone has rotated. Some horses who have experienced a more ‘acute’ episode may show slight rotation. Severe cases can include horses whose coffin bones have rotated so far that they are bulging into or have penetrated the sole of the hoof.
If your farrier or trimmer has not
taken note of or made you aware of these
symptoms - that might be a red flag.
Symptoms of Founder:
Symptoms of Laminitis
Distorted Hoof
Excessive Rings in the Hoof
Extreme divots in the hoof wall
Stretched white line
Laminar Wedge
Reoccurring Abscesses
Symptoms of laminitis:
Sudden onset of lameness
Resistance to walking or moving at all
Shifting weight back and forth
Reluctance to lift feet or bend legs
Standing with the legs camped out in front of the body (down dog)
Standing with all four legs camped under the body (goat on a rock)
Strong bounding digital pulse
Persistent heat in hoof wall
Consistent event lines or rings in hoof wall
Stretched laminae
Bruising in the hoof wall
Bruising or Blood in the Laminae
Shortened or Altered Stride
Rocking Back Stance
Laying Down Often
Increased Heart Rate
Shifting Weight Frequently
Reluctant to Lift Legs
Obesity & Insulin Resistant & PPID (Cushings)
Inflammatory Response
Steroid Induced