Laminitis or Founder
Laminitis or Founder

I lost my companion to this painful affliction and so wanted to share some information
here with you.

One of the main causes of founder, overfeeding.

Most horses will instinctively eat only what they need but some, like us humans will
overeat given the opportunity. Be conscious that there is a lot of horse being supported
on 4 relatively small hooves.

Laminitis, commonly called founder, is a very painful condition caused by inflammation of
the nerve endings in the hoof.

What it looks like

A horse that is foundering will act like he is trying to balance carefully. He will lean
forward with his head down, or lean back to get the weight off his front end. They may
also lay down repeatedly and have trouble or pain in getting back up. In my horse, it was
manifested in not wanting to walk, refusing to back or pick up a hoof.

*Make a note-Ponies are more susceptible to founder.

It is a Very Real Concern

Best case scenario, you have a lame, in pain horse with an easily avoidable medical
condition and they will never be able to sustain to work load or riding capacity they had
prior to the founder.

Worst case scenario, permanent damage occurs to the coffin bone. Because the entire
weight of the horse weighs down on the coffin bone it can actually rotate and be pushed
right through the sole to the ground.








The old adage, “No hoof, no horse,” is very true.

Wikipedia, a free on-line encyclopedia has a comprehensive explanation here; Wikipedia-
Founder
This page is dedicated in loving memory
to Jackie. You will be remembered
healthy & happy forever.
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