Approaches to endocrinopathic laminitis in the field: Results of a survey of veterinary practitioners in North America.
Authors: Rumfola Elizabeth, Banse Heidi E, Atkins Megan, McGowan Catherine M, Ireland Joanne L
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary Endocrinopathic laminitis represents the most prevalent form of the disease in clinical practice, yet emerging research highlighting insulin's central role in its pathogenesis may not be fully reflected in practitioners' diagnostic and therapeutic protocols. Rumfola and colleagues surveyed North American veterinary practitioners to characterise their current approaches to identifying, managing, and prognosticating endocrinopathic laminitis, comparing findings against a concurrent UK-based survey to identify regional variations in clinical practice. The results indicate that North American veterinarians have increasingly adopted endocrine diagnostic testing as part of their laminitis workup, suggesting a measurable shift towards research-informed practice. This convergence between evidence and field application is particularly relevant given insulin's recognition as a key pathogenic mechanism, affecting how practitioners should interpret diagnostic results and tailor nutritional and pharmaceutical interventions. For equine professionals—whether managing cases through farriery, nutrition, or rehabilitation—understanding these evolving diagnostic standards and their prevalence across regions helps ensure integrated, evidence-based approaches to preventing and treating this economically and clinically significant condition.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Endocrine testing for insulin dysfunction should be a standard part of your laminitis diagnostic protocol, as this is now recognized as the most common cause of field laminitis
- •Stay updated on evolving understanding of insulin's role in laminitis pathogenesis, as treatment approaches continue to change based on recent research
- •Consider regional best practices when developing your laminitis management protocols, as approaches vary between North America and other regions
Key Findings
- •North American practitioners have shifted their approach to laminitis to incorporate more diagnostic testing for endocrine disease
- •Insulin has been identified as a key factor in endocrinopathic laminitis development, though diagnostic and treatment approaches vary in field practice
- •Survey compared regional differences between North American and United Kingdom veterinary practitioners' approaches to endocrinopathic laminitis