Hoof kinetic patterns differ between sound and laminitic horses.
Authors: Al Naem Mohamad, Litzke Lutz-Ferdinand, Failing Klaus, Burk Janina, Röcken Michael
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Hoof kinetic patterns differ between sound and laminitic horses For the first time, kinetic data quantifying load distribution in laminitic hooves has been captured, addressing a significant gap in our understanding of how to optimise farriery and therapeutic shoeing protocols. Researchers used the Hoof™ System to measure vertical force distribution across hoof regions in 54 horses—18 sound controls, 18 with acute laminitis (evaluated once clinical signs subsided), and 18 chronically affected animals (6–12 weeks post-acute episode)—during walk in barefoot conditions. Sound horses demonstrated peak toe loading during midstance (76% ± 6% of stance duration), whilst both acute and chronic laminitic groups delayed this peak until break-over (89% ± 9% and 86% ± 7% respectively). Critically, laminitic horses bore substantially less vertical force through the toe region (acute: 29% ± 9%, chronic: 32% ± 10%) compared to sound horses (46% ± 7%), with load shifting abnormally towards the middle and caudal hoof structures. These findings suggest therapeutic approaches should prioritise supporting the caudal and middle hoof regions to reduce pathological pressure concentration in these weight-bearing areas during break-over—the phase when laminitic hooves experience their most damaging mechanical stress.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Shoeing and support strategies for laminitic horses should prioritize support of the caudal and middle hoof regions to reduce peak pressure concentration in these areas during break-over
- •Recognizing the delayed peak loading in the toe during break-over in laminitic horses can guide farrier decisions about rocker placement and break-over location
- •Laminitic horses show consistent load redistribution patterns regardless of whether they are in acute recovery or chronic phase, suggesting therapeutic support strategies should remain consistent across both stages
Key Findings
- •Peak toe loading occurs during midstance in sound horses (76% of stance) but shifts to break-over in laminitic horses (89% of stance)
- •Relative vertical force in the toe is significantly higher in sound horses (46%) compared to acute laminitis (29%) and chronic laminitis (32%)
- •Load distribution shifts from toe region to middle hoof region in laminitic horses, indicating compensatory loading patterns
- •No significant kinetic differences found between acute (G1) and chronic laminitic (G2) horses after initial recovery phase