An update on equine laminitis

Summary

# Editorial Summary: An Update on Equine Laminitis Laminitis remains one of the most challenging podal conditions in equine practice, with its complex pathophysiology involving interconnected ischemic, enzymatic, metabolic and inflammatory cascades that ultimately lead to laminar failure. Laskoski and colleagues conducted a comprehensive literature review synthesising current understanding of the mechanisms driving laminar tissue destruction and evaluated the evidence base for therapeutic interventions in both the prodromal phase and acute disease. Despite significant advances in our mechanistic understanding, the review underscores a sobering reality: relatively few therapeutic approaches reliably prevent laminitis onset or meaningfully reduce severity, leaving practitioners with limited options when managing this critical window before distal phalanx rotation or sinking occurs. The authors emphasise that effective early intervention—particularly addressing the prodromal stage before irreversible laminar separation develops—remains paramount, as treatments applied once acute structural failure is underway rarely prevent catastrophic complications including hoof loss. For farriers, vets and rehabilitation professionals, this update reinforces that laminitis management demands a sophisticated understanding of the multifactorial triggers and early recognition of prodromal signs, since the evidence continues to support prevention-focused strategies over curative approaches once acute disease is established.

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Key Findings

• •Laminitis pathophysiology involves interconnected ischemic, enzymatic, metabolic, and inflammatory mechanisms
• •Few therapeutic measures effectively prevent or control acute laminitis severity and progression to prodromal stage
• •Serious complications including distal phalanx rotation, sinking, and hoof loss often result from inadequate management of early laminitis

Conditions Studied