Risk Factors for Laminitis Identified

Few epidemiologic studies have been done to identify risk factors for laminitis. This prospective case-control study was designed to identify factors that predispose horses to acute or chronic laminitis.

Risk of acute laminitis was found to increase from ages 5 to 7 and from ages 13 to 31; risk of chronic laminitis was increased over 10 years of age. Mares were at moderately greater risk than geldings or stallions. Compared with Thoroughbreds, there was no significant difference in risk of acute laminitis for Quarter Horses, but other breeds were at greater risk.

Acute cases were more likely than controls to be categorized as getting little or no regular exercise and both acute and chronic cases were more likely to have a cresty neck.

The authors urge cautious interpretation of the apparent resistance of Thoroughbreds to laminitis because this observation may be attributable to other factors such as exercise, body condition or environment rather than inherent genetic factors.

— Alford P, Geller S, Richardson B, et al. A Multicenter, Matched Case-Control Study Of Risk Factors For Equine Laminitis. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2001; 49:202-222.

Navicular Anesthesia Affects Sole Pain

Diagnostic, regional anesthesia is used as part of the lameness examination to localize the source of pain causing lameness. Researchers in the United Kingdom tested the hypothesis that local anesthetic injected into the navicular bursa is not selective for the navicular apparatus, but may also reduce or eliminate pain originating from the sole of the foot.

Mild, temporary…