Acute laminitis: medical and supportive therapy.
Authors: van Eps
Journal: The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Acute Laminitis Management van Eps's 2010 review synthesises evidence-based approaches to acute laminitis, recognising it as a critical complication arising from diverse underlying conditions including sepsis, endotoxaemia, and metabolic disease. The article examines both the pathophysiological mechanisms driving lamellar failure and the medical and supportive interventions that form the foundation of effective treatment protocols. Key recommendations centre on aggressive management of the primary condition whilst simultaneously implementing pain control, anti-inflammatory therapy, and systemic support—including fluid resuscitation, cryotherapy, and targeted farriery to reduce loading forces on compromised lamellae. Understanding the rationale behind these integrated interventions is essential for farriers and veterinarians collaborating on cases, particularly given that outcome depends significantly on the speed and appropriateness of early intervention. The practical significance lies in recognising that acute laminitis represents a medical emergency requiring coordinated, multimodal management rather than isolated hoof interventions alone, fundamentally shaping how equine professionals should approach acute cases and communicate across disciplines.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Implement appropriate medical and supportive therapy protocols immediately upon acute laminitis diagnosis, as early intervention is critical to outcomes
- •Address the underlying primary condition while simultaneously managing the acute laminitic episode
- •Use current evidence-based guidelines to standardize your acute laminitis management approach for consistency and better prognosis
Key Findings
- •Acute laminitis is a serious complication of multiple primary conditions in horses requiring systematic management approach
- •Medical and supportive therapy are essential components of acute laminitis management
- •Current evidence-based approaches to acute laminitis management are summarized to guide clinical decision-making