Should I Walk My Horse With Laminitis? The Expert’s Guide
The decision of whether or not to walk your horse with laminitis is complex and hinges on the individual horse’s condition and stage of the disease. Generally, controlled walking may be beneficial in certain cases, but it’s crucial to consult with your veterinarian and farrier for a personalized plan.
Understanding Laminitis: A Critical Overview
Laminitis, a devastating condition affecting horses, involves inflammation of the laminae within the hoof. These laminae are critical structures that connect the coffin bone (the last bone within the hoof) to the hoof wall. When inflamed, this connection weakens, potentially leading to coffin bone rotation or sinking within the hoof capsule – a serious and often painful outcome. Understanding the underlying causes and stages of laminitis is paramount before considering any exercise regimen. Common causes include:
- Endocrine disorders: Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) and Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID, or Cushing’s disease) are significant risk factors.
- Dietary overload: Excessive consumption of carbohydrates (sugars and starches) can trigger laminitis.
- Systemic inflammation: Infections or severe illness can lead to laminitis.
- Mechanical overload: Excessive concussion or support limb laminitis (when one leg bears excessive weight due to injury in another) can contribute.
Potential Benefits of Controlled Walking
In certain stages of laminitis, controlled walking, as prescribed by a veterinarian and farrier, can offer potential benefits. These benefits are primarily related to improved circulation and hoof remodeling:
- Increased Circulation: Gentle exercise can stimulate blood flow to the hoof, promoting healing and nutrient delivery to the damaged laminae.
- Hoof Remodeling: Controlled movement can encourage the hoof to remodel and adapt to its altered biomechanics, potentially supporting the coffin bone and preventing further rotation. Walking can help stimulate the hoof to grow in a more appropriate shape and provide physiological signals to the healing process.
It is crucial to understand that these benefits are conditional and depend heavily on the horse’s current condition and the management plan in place.
The Process: When and How to Walk
The decision of should I walk my horse with laminitis? is ultimately up to your veterinarian and farrier. If walking is deemed appropriate, the following guidelines should be considered:
- Veterinary and Farrier Approval: This is non-negotiable. Only begin walking your horse after a thorough examination and with explicit instructions from your veterinarian and farrier.
- Pain Management: Ensure your horse is receiving adequate pain relief as prescribed by your veterinarian.
- Appropriate Foot Support: Properly fitted hoof boots with supportive pads are essential to protect the compromised laminae and provide cushioning. The type of support needed will vary based on the individual.
- Walking Surface: Choose a soft, even surface such as a well-maintained arena or a short-cut grassy area. Avoid hard surfaces like asphalt or concrete.
- Duration and Intensity: Start with very short, hand-walking sessions (e.g., 5-10 minutes) and gradually increase the duration as tolerated. Monitor your horse for any signs of increased pain or discomfort. Never force your horse to walk if they are unwilling or showing signs of distress.
- Constant Monitoring: Carefully observe your horse’s gait and attitude during and after walking. Stop immediately if you notice any increased lameness, reluctance to move, or changes in their posture.
- Regular Re-evaluation: Your veterinarian and farrier should regularly re-evaluate your horse’s progress and adjust the walking program as needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Walking a laminitic horse without proper planning and execution can be detrimental. Avoid these common mistakes:
- Ignoring Veterinary Advice: Never attempt to self-diagnose or treat laminitis. Always follow the guidance of your veterinarian and farrier.
- Walking Without Foot Support: Walking without appropriate hoof boots and padding can exacerbate the condition and lead to further damage.
- Walking on Hard Surfaces: Hard surfaces increase concussion and stress on the affected laminae.
- Walking for Too Long or Too Intensely: Overexertion can worsen inflammation and pain.
- Ignoring Signs of Pain: Pay close attention to your horse’s body language and stop immediately if you notice any signs of discomfort.
- Inadequate Pain Management: Trying to walk a horse that is in pain is unethical and counterproductive.
Stages of Laminitis & Walking
Walking is not appropriate for all stages of laminitis. Here’s a general guide, recognizing that every horse is different:
| Stage of Laminitis | Appropriateness of Walking | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| ———————- | —————————– | ————————————————————————————————— |
| Developmental | Generally NOT appropriate | Focus on identifying and addressing the underlying cause. Strict stall rest is usually recommended. |
| Acute | Generally NOT appropriate | Complete stall rest, pain management, and addressing the underlying cause are the priorities. |
| Chronic | Potentially appropriate, with veterinary approval | If the horse is stable, out of pain, and has adequate hoof support, controlled walking might be beneficial. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a treadmill to walk my horse with laminitis?
While some rehabilitation centers use treadmills, they are generally not recommended for laminitic horses, especially in the early stages. The controlled environment might seem appealing, but the repetitive nature of the movement can be stressful and potentially harmful. Treadmills are best reserved for horses that have progressed significantly in their recovery and under the direct supervision of a qualified professional.
What type of hoof support is best for walking a laminitic horse?
The ideal hoof support depends on the individual horse and the degree of coffin bone rotation or sinking. Options include specialized hoof boots with supportive pads (e.g., Easyboot Rx, Soft Ride boots), glue-on shoes with supportive packing, and custom-made orthotics. Your farrier is best equipped to determine the most appropriate option.
How do I know if my horse is in too much pain to walk?
Signs of pain include increased lameness, reluctance to move, a shifting of weight between limbs, a “pot-bellied” stance (to take weight off the front feet), increased digital pulses, sweating, and a generally depressed attitude. If you observe any of these signs, stop walking immediately and contact your veterinarian.
What if my horse refuses to walk?
If your horse refuses to walk, do not force them. This is a clear indication that they are in pain. Reassess the situation with your veterinarian and farrier. It may be necessary to adjust the pain management protocol or reconsider the walking program altogether.
How often should I have my veterinarian re-evaluate my horse’s progress?
The frequency of re-evaluations depends on the severity of the laminitis and the horse’s response to treatment. Initially, re-evaluations may be needed weekly or even more frequently. As the horse improves, the intervals can be extended. Discuss the appropriate schedule with your veterinarian.
Are there any supplements that can help support hoof health during walking?
While supplements are not a substitute for proper veterinary care and farriery, some supplements may support hoof health. Look for ingredients such as biotin, methionine, zinc, and copper. Consult with your veterinarian before adding any supplements to your horse’s diet. They can advise on the best options based on your horse’s specific needs.
Can walking on an incline be beneficial?
Generally, walking on an incline is NOT recommended for laminitic horses. It can increase stress on the affected laminae and exacerbate pain. Focus on walking on flat, even surfaces.
Is it safe to turn my horse out to pasture once they are walking comfortably?
The return to pasture depends on the horse’s individual condition, the type of pasture, and the time of year. Lush, carbohydrate-rich pastures should be avoided, especially for horses with underlying metabolic issues. A small, dry lot may be a more suitable option. Consult with your veterinarian and farrier to determine when and how to safely reintroduce your horse to pasture.
What should I do if my horse develops a new episode of laminitis while walking?
Stop the walking program immediately and contact your veterinarian. This indicates a setback and requires prompt veterinary intervention to address the underlying cause and manage the pain.
Can therapeutic laser therapy help during the walking process?
Therapeutic laser therapy may be a beneficial adjunct to a laminitis treatment plan. It can help reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing. Discuss this option with your veterinarian to determine if it’s appropriate for your horse.
How long will it take before I see improvement with walking?
The timeline for improvement varies greatly depending on the severity of the laminitis, the underlying cause, and the horse’s individual response to treatment. It can take several weeks or even months to see noticeable improvement. Patience and consistent adherence to the veterinary and farrier’s recommendations are crucial.
What are the long-term considerations for a horse that has recovered from laminitis and is now walking regularly?
Long-term considerations include ongoing management of any underlying metabolic conditions, regular farrier care to maintain hoof balance and support, careful monitoring for any signs of recurrence, and a balanced diet that minimizes carbohydrate intake. Lifelong management is often necessary to prevent future episodes of laminitis.