Risk factors for equine laminitis: a case-control study conducted in veterinary-registered horses and ponies in Great Britain between 2009 and 2011.

This research paper investigates the risk factors of equine laminitis, a severe foot disease in horses, through a case-control study conducted in Great Britain. The study identifies several factors, including weight gain, season changes, new grass access, rearing practices, history of lameness, and underlying health issues that increase the disease’s risk. It also finds that certain factors can lower this risk.

Study Objective and Methodology

• The primary objective of this paper was to analyze the risk factors associated with equine laminitis, a painful and debilitating foot disease that often leads to euthanasia in horses.
• A case-control study was implemented on horses and ponies in Great Britain to gather essential data.
• Data was collected through questionnaires received from veterinary practitioners. A total of 1010 animals were included in the study, with 191 confirmed cases of laminitis and 819 acting as control animals.
• The investigation relied heavily on multivariable statistical analyses to identify potential risk factors.

Risk Factors Identified

• The study found that weight gain in the last 3 months increases the risk of encountering the disease.
• The seasons of summer and winter also contribute to a higher risk compared to the spring season.
• Access to fresh grass in the previous 4 weeks was another risk factor identified.
• Keeping horses in rest boxes in the past week was likewise associated with increased risk.
• Previous history of laminitis, lameness, or foot-soreness after shoeing/trimming, were also linked to higher instances of the disease.
• Animals with existing endocrinopathic diseases, such as pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction and equine metabolic syndrome, had an enhanced likelihood of developing laminitis.
• A longer duration since the last anthelmintic treatment also heightened the risk.

Factors Reducing the Risk

• The research found that factors such as taller height (cm) can decrease the likelihood of developing laminitis.
• Feeding of additional supplements in the previous week could also mitigate the risk.
• Transportation in the previous week was similarly associated with a lowered risk.

Significance of the Findings

• The study’s findings contribute significantly to the understanding of equine laminitis, outlining various factors that can either heighten or reduce the risk of the disease.
• These findings can aid veterinarians, horse owners, and trainers in managing and reducing the prevalence of laminitis in the equine population by acknowledging and modifying certain practices.