Laminitis Checks

Checking for Laminitis in Horses: A Practical Guide

Laminitis is a painful and potentially serious condition, so it is understandable to feel worried if your horse seems uncomfortable. Knowing the early warning signs and acting promptly can make a meaningful difference.

This guide explains what to look for, how to reduce your horse’s risk and when to contact your veterinarian.

Understanding Laminitis

Laminitis occurs when the sensitive tissues supporting the hoof become inflamed and damaged. It is often associated with high sugar intake from grass or other feed, metabolic conditions, concussive forces, illness, post-surgery, pregnancy/birth, or excessive weight-bearing on the other 3 limbs, such as when lame.

Grass does not need to look lush or green to present a risk. Sugar levels can also be high in short, stressed or rapidly growing pasture, particularly during changeable growing conditions.

1. Develop a Grass-Management Plan

Manage how much grass your horse can access rather than relying only on how the pasture looks.

Options may include:

Strip or break feeding
Using a carefully designed track-grazing system
Restricting grazing time when pasture sugar is likely to be high
Providing suitable low-sugar hay
Monitoring your horse’s weight and body condition
Seeking professional advice if your horse has previously had laminitis or may have a metabolic condition

Any dietary changes should be introduced carefully. Your veterinarian or a qualified equine nutrition professional can help you develop a plan that suits your individual horse.

2. Check Regularly for Warning Signs

Become familiar with what is normal for your horse. Regular checks make it easier to recognise small but important changes.

Watch For:

Lameness or Foot Tenderness
Short, cautious or stiff steps
Hoof Abscesses
Seedy Toe/White Line Disease
Reluctance to walk, turn or move on firm ground
Frequently shifting weight between the feet
A rocked-back stance, with the front feet placed farther forward
Increased time spent lying down
Unusual reluctance to lift a foot

Some horses show only subtle discomfort at first. Do not wait for severe lameness before seeking advice.

Hoof Temperature
Use the back of your hand or an infrared thermometer to compare the temperature of all four hooves.

One warm hoof does not always indicate laminitis, as temperature naturally varies with exercise, weather and circulation.

Persistent or unusual heat, especially when several hooves are affected or other warning signs are present, should be taken seriously.

laminitis can be checked for a digital throbbing pulse at the rear of the hoof

Digital Pulse

Using two fingers rather than your thumb, gently feel for the digital pulse near the back of the fetlock or pastern.

A faint pulse can be normal. A pulse that feels noticeably stronger or “bounding,” particularly in more than one leg, may indicate inflammation within the feet.

Ask your veterinarian, farrier or hoof-care professional to show you where to check if you are unsure.

Practising when your horse is comfortable will help you recognise a change.

3. Take Prompt Action

If you suspect laminitis:

Remove your horse from pasture.
Prevent access to sugary feed and green, growing forage.
Keep movement to a minimum.
Place your horse on a deep, supportive surface where possible.
Provide water and suitable low-sugar forage while awaiting veterinary guidance.
Contact your veterinarian promptly.
Provide Hoof Protection -Hoof Boots-NOT METAL SHOES!

Do not force a sore horse to walk or exercise.

See our Laminitis Recovery Section

4. Contact Your Veterinarian

Laminitis should be treated as an urgent veterinary concern.

Early assessment and treatment can reduce pain, limit further damage and improve your horse’s chance of recovery.

Contact your veterinarian promptly if your horse has a bounding digital pulse, persistent hoof heat, tenderness, an altered stance or any reluctance to walk or turn.

You Are Not Alone

We understand that discovering that your horse may have laminitis can feel frightening, but noticing the warning signs and seeking help early are important first steps. With prompt veterinary care, careful management and ongoing monitoring, many horses can be made comfortable and supported through recovery.

We hope you will find this guide useful but if you would like more information please feel free to drop us a line or chekc out any of our other laminitis guides and articles below: