Descriptive epidemiological study of equine laminitis.

The research investigates the occurrence and treatment approaches of equine laminitis, a common equine foot disease, in various private practices and at the Texas Veterinary Medical Centre (TVMC) from May 1992 to July 1993.

Objective and Study Design

• This study analyzed the epidemiology – the occurrence, cause, and effects – of equine laminitis, an inflammation of the tissues inside the horse hoof that can lead to lameness and severe pain.
• The investigation was cross-sectional, occurring between May 1992 and July 1993 across seven private practices and the Texas Veterinary Medical Centre (TVMC).
• The sample included 108 horses, all diagnosed with laminitis, distributed in two subsets: acute and chronic laminitis.

Analysis & Results

• Out of the total cases, the division between acute and chronic laminitis was nearly even in the private practices, whereas at the TVMC, the majority of cases were chronic.
• Gastrointestinal disease was identified as the most notable preceding health issue, appearing in 54% of the horses before the onset of acute laminitis.
• The study did not find any significant association between a horse’s age, breed, sex, or weight and the presence of acute laminitis.
• However, horses with chronic laminitis were generally older and were more likely to be female.

Treatments Used

• The five most common treatments for laminitis in the study were phenylbutazone, acepromazine, dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO), various antibiotics, and flunixin meglumine.
• While viewing treatment distribution among acute and chronic cases, acepromazine, DMSO, and flunixin meglumine were more commonly used for acute cases, whereas phenylbutazone and antibiotics were used more often for chronic cases.
• At the TVMC, DMSO and flunixin meglumine were frequently prescribed for acute cases, while chronic cases in private practice were more likely to receive phenylbutazone and antibiotics.
• Furthermore, chronic cases were more commonly treated with shoeing and trimming – a mechanical form of treatment to relieve pressure on the inflamed tissues.