Incidence of support limb laminitis in horses treated with half limb, full limb or transfixation pin casts: a retrospective study of 113 horses (2000-2009).

This study aims to understand the frequency of support limb laminitis in horses that have undergone half limb, full limb or transfixation pin casts, as well as identifying potential risk factors. The research found that 12% of horses developed this condition and that bodyweight of the horse and the duration of casting were both significant contributing factors.

Research Approach

• The study involves a retrospective analysis of medical records from an equine referral hospital, focusing on 113 horses that received half limb, full limb, or transfixation pin casts between the years 2000 to 2009.
• Various potential risk factors for the development of support limb laminitis were examined using bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses.

Findings

• Out of the total sample, 14 horses, or about 12%, developed confirmed support limb laminitis post operatively.
• Two factors found significantly associated with support limb laminitis were the horse’s bodyweight and the duration of casting.
• The study found a larger likelihood for horses requiring full limb casts or transfixation pin casts to develop this complication as opposed to the ones requiring half limb casts.
• No considerable associations were found between developing support limb laminitis and the weightbearing capacity at the time of admission to the hospital, the affected limb (fore- or hind), presence of a fracture, or the horse’s breed.

Conclusions

• Horses treated with half limb, full limb, and transfixation pin casts often experienced support limb laminitis as a common complication.
• The incidence of the condition increases with greater durations of casting and higher bodyweight.
• The study also concluded that support limb laminitis can occur secondary to any painful unilateral lameness.
• It is not necessarily more likely to occur in horses with severe orthopaedic conditions such as fractures.
• However, horses that are heavier, those requiring casts for longer durations and ones needing full limb or transfixation pin casts have a higher risk of developing support limb laminitis.