Equine laminitis: bites by Bothrops spp cause hoof lamellar pathology in the contralateral as well as in the bitten limb.

This research verifies that the venom from a Bothrops snakebite can induce acute laminitis in horses, causing severe hoof damage. Timely administration of antivenom therapy is crucial to not only save a horse’s life, but also to prevent the complications of laminitis.

Study Design and Findings

• The authors investigated the effects of Bothrops snake venom on horses. These snakes are known to induce systemic and local symptoms in their victims, including problems with blood clotting, intense pain, and myonecrosis (tissue death due to decreased blood supply).
• In addition to these symptoms, horses involved in the study also showed signs of laminitis, an often debilitating condition of the hoof. This was observed in not just the bitten limb, but also in the contralateral (opposite) limb.
• Laminitis was characterized by the separation of the hoof’s lamellar basement membrane (a critical structural component) from the basal cells of the epidermis (the outer layer of skin). This causes the hoof structure to lose its integrity, leading to severe pain and reduced mobility for the horse.

Implications of the Study

• This study demonstrated that envenomation by Bothrops snakes can cause acute laminitis in horses. This is a significant finding, as laminitis can have long-term effects on a horse’s health and ability to move.
• The research suggests that metalloproteinases present in the venom are likely the cause of the severe hoof lesions. Metalloproteinases are enzymes that can degrade proteins, including those that make up the structural elements of the hoof, leading to the damage seen in laminitis.

Recommendations for Future Venom Treatments

• Based on their findings, the authors advocate for immediate antivenom therapy if a horse is bitten by a Bothrops snake.
• Such treatment could prevent the development of laminitis, thereby not only saving the life of the horse but also avoiding potential long-term hoof dysfunction.