No Easy Answers For Treating, Solving Laminitis Concerns

Chris Pollitt says no therapeutic treatment plan exists based on using biological or chemotherapeutic agents to stop or prevent the triggering of laminitis. In fact, the extent and severity of the lamellar pathology may have more influence on the outcome than the treatment, says the hoof researcher with the Australian Equine Laminitis Research Unit at Gatton, Queensland, and a member of the International Equine Veterinarian Hall Of Fame.

Pollitt says an effective laminitis preventive technique will have to be based on a full understanding of the mechanism behind the disintegration and anatomy of the hoof wall lamellae. While use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) during the developmental and acute stages of laminitis can reduce foot pain and provide comfort, the disease will continue to be a serious concern. 

“This creates an ethical dilemma for the hoof-care professional,” Pollitt says. “On one hand, you need to alleviate pain and suffering. But on the other hand, there is the realization that most drugs only deal with the pain and symptoms without eliminating the cause of the disease.”

Why It Will Pay For You To Work Closely With Grooms

Whether they are Spanish-speaking or not, Michael Joshua says it’s important to recognize the important role grooms play in an effective footcare program. “Grooms are a key to making contact with your clients at horse shows and getting new clients,” says the farrier from Denver, Colo., who holds an occasional grooms-only party at horse shows. “They…