Prevalence of and risk factors for acute laminitis in horses treated with corticosteroids.

This study investigated the prevalence and risk factors for acute laminitis, a painful foot condition, in horses that have been treated with corticosteroids. By comparing both treated and untreated horses, the researchers found that while the overall occurrence of laminitis was low, certain factors like breed, previous laminitis history and body condition significantly increased the risk.

Study Approach

• The paper presents a two-part study – a retrospective treated vs untreated study, and a multicentre prospective cohort study. The aim was to understand the prevalence and risk factors associated with acute laminitis in horses treated with corticosteroids.
• The authors chose treatment periods from January 2014 to December 2014 for their first study and January 2015 to February 2017 for their second study for data collection.
• Vital aspects like signalment, body condition, relevant medical history, primary condition, corticosteroid therapy prescribed, and occurrence of acute laminitis during or within 14 days of cessation of corticosteroid treatment were recorded for analysis.

Analysis and Findings

• In the first study, which compared treated and untreated horses, 1% of animals in each group developed laminitis, indicating a relatively low incidence.
• The second study included a larger sample size of 1565 animals. The prevalence of laminitis within this group was calculated to be 0.6% (with a confidence interval of 0.4% to 1.2%).
• Statistical analysis revealed significant associations between the incidence of laminitis and certain factors. These include the breed of the horse (pony vs horse), the presence of a laminitis risk factor (such as a history of laminitis or an underlying endocrinopathy), and body condition (overweight/obese vs. not overweight).
• Interestingly, ponies were found to have a higher risk of laminitis as compared to horses (p=0.01) in a univariable analysis. Further, horses with a history of laminitis or an underlying endocrinopathy were found to be around 18 times more at risk (p<0.001). Overweight or obese horses were found to be 4 times more at risk (p=0.04) in comparison to healthy weight horses.

Final Note

• The research offers critical insights into the implications of corticosteroid treatment in horses. While the overall incidence of laminitis was low, breed, previous history of laminitis and obesity emerged as significant risk factors.
• The study highlights the necessity for controlled and cautious use of corticosteroids in horses, particularly those already presenting these risk factors.