The 2012 Laminitis Conference took place in Monterey, Calif., on Nov. 2 and 3. Here are some of the “take home” points offered by speakers during the conference.

”Hot” Topics On The Pathology Of Laminitis

From James Orsini, DVM, Associate Professor of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, New Bolton Center, Kennet Square, Pa.

• Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS).

  • Seen most commonly in cases resulting from
    • Infection/inflammation.

    • Carbohydrate overload.

    • Black walnut extract exposure.
  • Laminitis is a clinical sign of multi organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), which can progress from SIRS. In the horse, the foot is considered a target “organ” that ultimately fails.
  • Increases in body temperature of as little as 2 degrees Fahrenheit can produce chemokine and cytokine increases in the liver.
  • Aggressive treatment at the first signs of SIRS can prevent progression to MODS
    • Cryotherapy is one of the most effective methods.
    • Anti-inflammatories.
    • Specific treatment of the underlying cause (e.g. antibiotics and uterine lavage for septic endometritis or retained fetal membranes).

• Mechanisms of structural failure:

  • Multifaceted.
  • Each mechanism is specific to the causative event.
  • Many paths occur, but all lead to basically the same outcome — the failure of the foot.
  • When the basement membrane fails, the foot fails.
  • The ultimate result is the failure of foot support.
• Timing of Structural Failure:
  • Activated hours and even days before clinical signs appear.
  • Very different events are occurring at Obel Grade 1 vs. Obel Grade 3.
• P3 Osteopathy
  • Lamellar pathology is the dominant change in acute laminitis.
  • Bony…