Identification of modifiable factors associated with owner-reported equine laminitis in Britain using a web-based cohort study approach.
Abstract: Equine laminitis is a complex disease that manifests as pain and lameness in the feet, often with debilitating consequences. There is a paucity of data that accounts for the multifactorial nature of laminitis and considers time-varying covariates that may be associated with disease development; particularly those that are modifiable and present potential interventions. A previous case-control study identified a number of novel, modifiable factors associated with laminitis which warranted further investigation and corroboration. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with equine laminitis in horses/ponies in Great Britain (GB) using a prospective, web-based cohort study design, with particular interest in evaluating modifiable factors previously identified in the case-control study. Results: Self-selected horse/pony owners in GB submitted initial baseline and follow-up health and management questionnaires for 1070 horses/ponies between August 2014 and December 2016. The enrolled horses/ponies contributed 1068 horse-years at risk with a median of 38 days between questionnaire submissions. Owners reported 123 owner-recognised and/or veterinary-diagnosed episodes of active laminitis using a previously-validated laminitis reporting form. Multivariable Cox regression modelling identified 16 risk/protective factors associated with laminitis development. In keeping with the previous case-control study, a prior history of laminitis (particularly non-veterinary-diagnosed episodes), soreness after shoeing/trimming and weight gain were associated with higher rates of laminitis. There is now strong evidence that these risk factors should be used to guide future recommendations in disease prevention. Factors with some prior evidence of association included breed, steroidal anti-inflammatory administration, transport and worming. The modifiable factors amongst these should be the focus of future laminitis studies. The remainder of the identified factors relating to health, turnout and grazing management and feeding are novel, and require further investigation to explore their relationship with laminitis and their applicability as potential interventions. Conclusions: This study has demonstrated a temporal relationship between a number of horse- and management-level factors and laminitis, identifying potential interventions and important risk groups for which these interventions would be of particular importance. These results serve as a sound evidence-base towards the development of strategic recommendations for the horse/pony-owning population to reduce the rate of laminitis in GB.
Publication Date: 2019-02-12
PubMed ID: 30755193PubMed Central: PMC6373032DOI: 10.1186/s12917-019-1798-8Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
Summary
This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.
This research article investigates the factors associated with the development of equine laminitis, a painful and often debilitating disease affecting horses’ feet, by using a web-based cohort study method. By evaluating previous field studies and current data, the study identifies 16 risk factors which could be instrumental in creating effective prevention strategies.
Objective and Methodology
- The research aimed to identify risk factors linked to equine laminitis in horses and ponies in Great Britain with particular emphasis on modifiable factors that could potentially be used for interventions.
- Utilizing a web-based cohort study approach, horse and pony owners submitted initial and follow-up health questionnaires for their animals from August 2014 to December 2016.
- The method of study builds upon previous query data and involves a multivariable Cox regression model to identify risk factors.
Results
- The questionnaire process included 1070 horses and ponies and gathered 1068 horse-years at risk data.
- A total of 123 laminitis episodes were reported, using a previously validated laminitis reporting form.
- The study identified 16 risk factors, notably a prior history of laminitis, soreness after shoeing/trimming, and weight gain, which were associated with higher incidence rates of the disease.
- Further factors with some previous association included breed, steroidal anti-inflammatory administration, transport, and worming.
Significance and Future Studies
- The results reinforce the importance of certain risk factors, which should guide future prevention recommendations.
- Identified risk factors will be the focus of future laminitis studies as these are modifiable and present potential intervention possibilities.
- New factors related to health, turnout, grazing management, and feeding are also identified and require further investigation to explore their relation to laminitis and their potential usage as interventions.
Conclusions
- The study’s findings confirm a temporal relationship between various horse- and management-level factors and laminitis development.
- It identifies potential interventions and specific risk groups that could greatly benefit from these interventions.
- These findings provide an evidence-based foundation for developing strategic recommendations to help equine owners reduce laminitis cases in Great Britain.
Cite This Article
APA
Pollard D, Wylie CE, Verheyen KLP, Newton JR.
(2019).
Identification of modifiable factors associated with owner-reported equine laminitis in Britain using a web-based cohort study approach.
BMC Vet Res, 15(1), 59.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-019-1798-8
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Epidemiology Department, Centre for Preventive Medicine, Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, Suffolk, UK. danica.pollard@aht.org.uk.
- Veterinary Epidemiology, Economics and Public Health Group, Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, UK. danica.pollard@aht.org.uk.
- Rossdales Equine Hospital, Exning, Newmarket, UK.
- University of Sydney, School of Medical Sciences, Camperdown, Sydney, Australia.
- Veterinary Epidemiology, Economics and Public Health Group, Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, UK.
- Epidemiology Department, Centre for Preventive Medicine, Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, Suffolk, UK.
MeSH Terms
- Animal Husbandry
- Animals
- Female
- Foot Diseases / etiology
- Foot Diseases / prevention & control
- Foot Diseases / veterinary
- Hoof and Claw
- Horse Diseases / etiology
- Horse Diseases / prevention & control
- Horses
- Lameness, Animal / etiology
- Lameness, Animal / prevention & control
- Male
- Prospective Studies
- Risk Factors
- Surveys and Questionnaires
- United Kingdom
Grant Funding
- 1301 Newton / World Horse Welfare
- NA / The Margaret Giffen Charitable Trust
- NA / The Margaret Giffen Charitable Trust
- NA / Horserace Betting Levy Board
- NA / Racehorse Owners Association
- NA / Thoroughbred Breeders' Association
Conflict of Interest Statement
ETHICS APPROVAL AND CONSENT TO PARTICIPATE: This study was granted institutional ethical approval from the Animal Health Trust (AHT01–2014) and the Royal Veterinary College (2014 0105H). Animal use not applicable. Informed consent was obtained from study participants upon enrolment in the study. CONSENT FOR PUBLICATION: Not applicable. COMPETING INTERESTS: The authors declare that they have no competing interests. PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
References
This article includes 70 references
- Moore JN, Belknap JK. You say lamellae, I say laminae. Let's call ... An overview of the Havemeyer workshop on laminitis pathophysiology.. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2009 Jun 15;129(3-4):149-50.
- Collins SN, Pollitt C, Wylie CE, Matiasek K. Laminitic pain: parallels with pain states in humans and other species.. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2010 Dec;26(3):643-71.
- Driessen B, Bauquier SH, Zarucco L. Neuropathic pain management in chronic laminitis.. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2010 Aug;26(2):315-37.
- de Laat MA, McGowan CM, Sillence MN, Pollitt CC. Hyperinsulinemic laminitis.. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2010 Aug;26(2):257-64.
- Collins SN, van Eps AW, Pollitt CC, Kuwano A. The lamellar wedge.. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2010 Apr;26(1):179-95.
- Wylie CE, Collins SN, Verheyen KL, Newton JR. Risk factors for equine laminitis: a systematic review with quality appraisal of published evidence.. Vet J 2012 Jul;193(1):58-66.
- Menzies-Gow NJ, Harris PA, Elliott J. Prospective cohort study evaluating risk factors for the development of pasture-associated laminitis in the United Kingdom.. Equine Vet J 2017 May;49(3):300-306.
- Welsh CE, Duz M, Parkin TDH, Marshall JF. Disease and pharmacologic risk factors for first and subsequent episodes of equine laminitis: A cohort study of free-text electronic medical records.. Prev Vet Med 2017 Jan 1;136:11-18.
- Wylie CE, Collins SN, Verheyen KL, Newton JR. Risk factors for equine laminitis: a case-control study conducted in veterinary-registered horses and ponies in Great Britain between 2009 and 2011.. Vet J 2013 Oct;198(1):57-69.
- Luthersson N, Mannfalk M, Parkin TDH, Harris P. Laminitis: risk factors and outcome in a Group of Danish Horses. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. 2016;53:68u201373. doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2016.03.006.
- Coleman MC, Belknap JK, Eades SC, Galantino-Homer HL, Hunt RJ, Geor RJ, McCue ME, McIlwraith CW, Moore RM, Peroni JF, Townsend HG, White NA, Cummings KJ, Ivanek-Miojevic R, Cohen ND. Case-control study of risk factors for pasture-and endocrinopathy-associated laminitis in North American horses.. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2018 Aug 15;253(4):470-478.
- Potter SJ, Bamford NJ, Harris PA, Bailey SR. Incidence of laminitis and survey of dietary and management practices in pleasure horses and ponies in south-eastern Australia.. Aust Vet J 2017 Oct;95(10):370-374.
- Pollard D, Wylie CE, Newton JR, Verheyen KLP. Incidence and clinical signs of owner-reported equine laminitis in a cohort of horses and ponies in Great Britain.. Equine Vet J 2019 Sep;51(5):587-594.
- Wylie CE, Collins SN, Verheyen KL, Newton JR. A cohort study of equine laminitis in Great Britain 2009-2011: estimation of disease frequency and description of clinical signs in 577 cases.. Equine Vet J 2013 Nov;45(6):681-7.
- Wagner EL, Tyler PJ. A comparison of weight estimation methods in adult horses. J Equine Vet Sci. 2011;31(12):706u2013710. doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2011.05.002.
- Pollard D, Wylie CE, Verheyen KLP, Newton JR. Assessment of horse owners' ability to recognise equine laminitis: A cross-sectional study of 93 veterinary diagnosed cases in Great Britain.. Equine Vet J 2017 Nov;49(6):759-766.
- StataCorp . Stata survival analysis reference manual. Version 15. Texas: Stata Press; 2017.
- Cox DR. Regression models and life tables [with discussion] JR Stat Soc. 1972;34:187u2013220.
- Perneger TV. Adjusting for multiple testing in studies is less important than other concerns.. BMJ 1999 May 8;318(7193):1288.
- Klein JP, Rizzo JD, Zhang MJ, Keiding N. Statistical methods for the analysis and presentation of the results of bone marrow transplants. Part 2: Regression modeling.. Bone Marrow Transplant 2001 Dec;28(11):1001-11.
- Dohoo I, Martin W, Stryhn H. Veterinary epidemiologic research, 2nd edn. Canada: VER Inc.; 2009.
- StataCorp . Stata 15 Base Reference Manual. College Station: Stata Press; 2017.
- Lin DY, Wei LJ. The robust inference for the Cox proportional hazards model. J Am Stat Assoc. 1989;84(408):1074u20131078. doi: 10.1080/01621459.1989.10478874.
- Collett D. Modelling survival data in medical research. 3. Florida: CRC Press (Taylor & Francis Group, LLC); 2015.
- Carroll CL, Huntington PJ. Body condition scoring and weight estimation of horses.. Equine Vet J 1988 Jan;20(1):41-5.
- Carter RA, Geor RJ, Burton Staniar W, Cubitt TA, Harris PA. Apparent adiposity assessed by standardised scoring systems and morphometric measurements in horses and ponies.. Vet J 2009 Feb;179(2):204-10.
- Baxter GM. Acute laminitis.. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 1994 Dec;10(3):627-42.
- Cripps PJ, Eustace RA. Factors involved in the prognosis of equine laminitis in the UK.. Equine Vet J 1999 Sep;31(5):433-42.
- Orsini JA, Parsons CS, Capewell L, Smith G. Prognostic indicators of poor outcome in horses with laminitis at a tertiary care hospital.. Can Vet J 2010 Jun;51(6):623-8.
- Patterson-Kane JC, Karikoski NP, McGowan CM. Paradigm shifts in understanding equine laminitis.. Vet J 2018 Jan;231:33-40.
- de Laat MA, Patterson-Kane JC, Pollitt CC, Sillence MN, McGowan CM. Histological and morphometric lesions in the pre-clinical, developmental phase of insulin-induced laminitis in Standardbred horses.. Vet J 2013 Mar;195(3):305-12.
- Karikoski NP, Patterson-Kane JC, Asplin KE, McGowan TW, McNutt M, Singer ER, McGowan CM. Morphological and cellular changes in secondary epidermal laminae of horses with insulin-induced laminitis.. Am J Vet Res 2014 Feb;75(2):161-8.
- Karikoski NP, McGowan CM, Singer ER, Asplin KE, Tulamo RM, Patterson-Kane JC. Pathology of Natural Cases of Equine Endocrinopathic Laminitis Associated With Hyperinsulinemia.. Vet Pathol 2015 Sep;52(5):945-56.
- Hood DM, Grosenbaugh DA, Mostafa MB, Morgan SJ, Thomas BC. The role of vascular mechanisms in the development of acute equine laminitis.. J Vet Intern Med 1993 Jul-Aug;7(4):228-34.
- Johnson PJ, Messer NTIV, Ganjam SK, Wiedmeyer CE. Pregnancy-associated laminitis in mares. J Equine Vet Sci. 2009;29(1):42u201346. doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2008.11.009.
- Weller R, Barstow A, Price H, Pfau T. Evidence-based farriery - does it exist?. Equine Vet J 2018 Sep;50(5):552-553.
- Lynden J, Ogden J, Hollands T. Contracting for care - the construction of the farrier role in supporting horse owners to prevent laminitis.. Equine Vet J 2018 Sep;50(5):658-666.
- Carter RA, McCutcheon LJ, George LA, Smith TL, Frank N, Geor RJ. Effects of diet-induced weight gain on insulin sensitivity and plasma hormone and lipid concentrations in horses.. Am J Vet Res 2009 Oct;70(10):1250-8.
- de Laat MA, McGowan CM, Sillence MN, Pollitt CC. Equine laminitis: induced by 48 h hyperinsulinaemia in Standardbred horses.. Equine Vet J 2010 Mar;42(2):129-35.
- Carter RA, McCutcheon LJ, Valle E, Meilahn EN, Geor RJ. Effects of exercise training on adiposity, insulin sensitivity, and plasma hormone and lipid concentrations in overweight or obese, insulin-resistant horses.. Am J Vet Res 2010 Mar;71(3):314-21.
- Morgan RA, Keen JA, McGowan CM. Treatment of equine metabolic syndrome: A clinical case series.. Equine Vet J 2016 Jul;48(4):422-6.
- Gill JC, Pratt-Phillips SE, Mansmann R, Siciliano PD. Weight loss Management in Client-Owned Horses. J Equine Vet Sci. 2016;39:80u201389. doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2015.12.014.
- McGowan CM, Dugdale AH, Pinchbeck GL, Argo CM. Dietary restriction in combination with a nutraceutical supplement for the management of equine metabolic syndrome in horses.. Vet J 2013 May;196(2):153-9.
- Dorn CR, Garner HE, Coffman JR, Hahn AW, Tritschler LG. Castration and other factors affecting the risk of equine laminitis.. Cornell Vet 1975 Jan;65(1):57-64.
- Alford P, Geller S, Richrdson B, Slater M, Honnas C, Foreman J, Robinson J, Messer M, Roberts M, Goble D, Hood D, Chaffin M. A multicenter, matched case-control study of risk factors for equine laminitis.. Prev Vet Med 2001 May 1;49(3-4):209-22.
- Jordan VJ, Ireland JL, Rendle DI. Does oral prednisolone treatment increase the incidence of acute laminitis?. Equine Vet J 2017 Jan;49(1):19-25.
- McGowan CM, Cooper D, Ireland JL. No evidence that therapeutic systemic corticosteroid administration is associated with laminitis in adult horses without underlying endocrine or severe systemic disease. Vet Evidence. 2016;1:1-17.
- Padalino B. Effects of the different transport phases on equine health status, behavior, and welfare: a review. J Vet Behavior Clin Appl Res. 2015;10(3):272u2013282. doi: 10.1016/j.jveb.2015.02.002.
- Padalino B, Raidal SL, Hall E, Knight P, Celi P, Jeffcott L, Muscatello G. A Survey on Transport Management Practices Associated with Injuries and Health Problems in Horses.. PLoS One 2016;11(9):e0162371.
- Hillyer MH, Taylor FG, Proudman CJ, Edwards GB, Smith JE, French NP. Case control study to identify risk factors for simple colonic obstruction and distension colic in horses.. Equine Vet J 2002 Jul;34(5):455-63.
- Oikawa M-A, Takagi S, Yashiki K. Some aspects of the stress responses to road transport in thoroughbred horses with special reference to shipping fever. J Equine Sci. 2004;15(4):99u2013102. doi: 10.1294/jes.15.99.
- Coles T, Lynn R. Parasiticides for use in horses. In: Cole C, Bentz B, Maxwell L, editors. Equine Pharmacology. Danvers: Wiley; 2015. p. 85u201398.
- Parsons CS, Orsini JA, Krafty R, Capewell L, Boston R. Risk factors for development of acute laminitis in horses during hospitalization: 73 cases (1997-2004).. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2007 Mar 15;230(6):885-9.
- Griffin MR. Epidemiology of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-associated gastrointestinal injury.. Am J Med 1998 Mar 30;104(3A):23S-29S; discussion 41S-42S.
- Marcum ZA, Hanlon JT. Recognizing the Risks of Chronic Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug Use in Older Adults.. Ann Longterm Care 2010;18(9):24-27.
- Whitfield-Cargile CM, Chamoun-Emanuelli AM, Cohen ND, Richardson LM, Ajami NJ, Dockery HJ. Differential effects of selective and non-selective cyclooxygenase inhibitors on fecal microbiota in adult horses.. PLoS One 2018;13(8):e0202527.
- Ely ER, Avella CS, Price JS, Smith RK, Wood JL, Verheyen KL. Descriptive epidemiology of fracture, tendon and suspensory ligament injuries in National Hunt racehorses in training.. Equine Vet J 2009 Apr;41(4):372-8.
- Inness CM, Morgan KL. Polo pony injuries: player-owner reported risk, perception, mitigation and risk factors.. Equine Vet J 2015 Jul;47(4):422-7.
- Keen JA, McGorum BC, Hillier C, Nally JE. Short-term incubation of equine laminar veins with cortisol and insulin alters contractility in vitro: possible implications for the pathogenesis of equine laminitis.. J Vet Pharmacol Ther 2013 Aug;36(4):382-8.
- Morgan RA, Keen JA, Walker BR, Hadoke PW. Vascular Dysfunction in Horses with Endocrinopathic Laminitis.. PLoS One 2016;11(9):e0163815.
- Ince J, Longland AC, Newbold JC, Harris PA. Changes in proportions of dry matter intakes by ponies with access to pasture and haylage for 3 and 20 hours per day respectively, for six weeks. J Equine Vet Sci. 2011;31(5):283. doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2011.03.106.
- Longland AC, Byrd BM. Pasture nonstructural carbohydrates and equine laminitis.. J Nutr 2006 Jul;136(7 Suppl):2099S-2102S.
- Geor RJ. Pasture-associated laminitis.. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2009 Apr;25(1):39-50, v-vi.
- Watts K. Pasture management to minimize the risk of equine laminitis.. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2010 Aug;26(2):361-9.
- DAWBER TR, MEADORS GF, MOORE FE Jr. Epidemiological approaches to heart disease: the Framingham Study.. Am J Public Health Nations Health 1951 Mar;41(3):279-81.
- Patel MX, Doku V, Tennakoon L. Challenges in recruitment of research participants. Adv Psychiatr Treat. 2003;9(3):229. doi: 10.1192/apt.9.3.229.
- Booker CL, Harding S, Benzeval M. A systematic review of the effect of retention methods in population-based cohort studies.. BMC Public Health 2011 Apr 19;11:249.
- Ireland JL, Clegg PD, McGowan CM, McKane SA, Pinchbeck GL. A cross-sectional study of geriatric horses in the United Kingdom. Part 1: Demographics and management practices.. Equine Vet J 2011 Jan;43(1):30-6.
- Hotchkiss JW, Reid SW, Christley RM. A survey of horse owners in Great Britain regarding horses in their care. Part 1: Horse demographic characteristics and management.. Equine Vet J 2007 Jul;39(4):294-300.
- Wylie CE, Ireland JL, Collins SN, Verheyen KL, Newton JR. Demographics and management practices of horses and ponies in Great Britain: a cross-sectional study.. Res Vet Sci 2013 Oct;95(2):410-7.
Citations
This article has been cited 9 times.- Akinniyi OO, Sackey AKB, Ochube GE, Mshelia PW, Musa FA, Elijah MO, Jolayemi KO. Occurrence of equine metabolic syndrome, clinical manifestations, and associated risk factors in Nigeria.. J Equine Sci 2023 Jun;34(2):29-35.
- Lykkjen S, Stenbakk LK, Holmu00f8y IH. Prevalence and risk factors for laminitis within the Norwegian pony breed Nordlandshest/Lyngshest.. Acta Vet Scand 2023 Jun 16;65(1):22.
- Uldahl M, Dahl J, Clayton HM. Body Condition Score in Danish Horses Related to Type, Use, and Training Level: Patterns, Risk, and Protective Factors.. Animals (Basel) 2023 Mar 31;13(7).
- Senderska-Pu0142onowska M, Siwiu0144ska N, Zak-Bochenek A, Rykau0142a M, Su0142owikowska M, Madej JP, Kaleta-Kuratewicz K, Niedu017awiedu017a A. The Differences in Histoarchitecture of Hoof Lamellae between Obese and Lean Draft Horses.. Animals (Basel) 2022 Jul 11;12(14).
- Knowles EJ, Elliott J, Harris PA, Chang YM, Menzies-Gow NJ. Predictors of laminitis development in a cohort of nonlaminitic ponies.. Equine Vet J 2023 Jan;55(1):12-23.
- Daradics Z, Crecan CM, Rus MA, Morar IA, Mircean MV, Cu0103toi AF, Cecan AD, Cu0103toi C. Obesity-Related Metabolic Dysfunction in Dairy Cows and Horses: Comparison to Human Metabolic Syndrome.. Life (Basel) 2021 Dec 16;11(12).
- Ward AB, Stephen K, Argo CM, Harris PA, Watson CA, Neacsu M, Russell W, Grove-White DH, Morrison PK. COVID-19 impacts equine welfare: Policy implications for laminitis and obesity.. PLoS One 2021;16(5):e0252340.
- Pollard D, Furtado T. Public Roads as Places of Interspecies Conflict: A Study of Horse-Human Interactions on UK Roads and Impacts on Equine Exercise.. Animals (Basel) 2021 Apr 9;11(4).
- Carslake HB, Pinchbeck GL, McGowan CM. Equine metabolic syndrome in UK native ponies and cobs is highly prevalent with modifiable risk factors.. Equine Vet J 2021 Sep;53(5):923-934.