An important
aspect of horse guardianship, and barn management, is being as pro-active as
possible in regards to the prevention of laminitis. Laminitis (aka, founder) is
inflammation of the laminae, or tissue layers, of the hoof. Although the causes
of founder are varied, they all trigger a disturbance that disrupts the normal
blood flow to and from the hoof. Lack of proper blood flow causes a lack of
oxygen to the laminae, which become damaged and die, leading to further hoof
tissue damage and deterioration.
Some causes
of laminitis include:
Hormonal
changes, particularly during a mare’s estrous cycle
Long term
use of drugs, chemicals and toxins
Bacterial or
viral infections, prolonged illness, colic and severe stress
Sudden
change to lush grass or legumes such as alfalfa
Carbohydrate
overload from eating too much grain
Bruised
hooves from impact on hard surfaces
In order to
help domesticated horses avoid the pain of laminitis, we must be careful and
mindful of what the horse eats. Feed whole, clean grains that are stored
safely; avoid feeding sweetened and processed grains. We should work our horses
sensibly, support their health by building up their immune systems, avoiding
the use of chemicals, indiscriminate drug use and only vaccinating when
necessary (consider titers testing when appropriate). Remember, we must
GRADUALLY
introduce our horses to pasture, particularly during spring and fall.
While
pasture grazing is a horse’s natural food source, it can cause problems if it
isn’t digested efficiently. There are certain times of the year when grasses
have high levels of sugars that can be harmful to a horse’s system if it isn’t
accustomed to them. Warm clear days and cool nights are the ideal conditions
for the buildup of sugars, especially after rain when growing conditions are
optimal. Starches and sugars are not completely digested before they reach the
bowel. These undigested starches and sugars ferment much faster than hay fiber
and can lead to an abundance of bacteria and acid. This excess acid in the gut
is the very first step in the development of laminitis. How founder develops
from this point is very complicated, but basically, the greater the amount of
starch and sugar fermentation, the greater the buildup of acids and the greater
the of founder. The process depends upon how much the horse eats, how quickly
it eats, and how efficiently the horse digests what it eats before the
fermentation process begins. (Please note, a horse’s digestive system and
process is unique to the individual. Not all horses in one barn will necessarily
digest food the same way).
Through my
experience, I have come to immediately use the following homeopathics when I
first suspect an onset of laminitis.
Aconite 30c –
dose every 20 minutes up to 6 times
Belladonna
30c – follow the dosing of Aconite with this – hourly for 4 doses, then, as
long as the horse is responding, dose 3 times a day for 4 days.
For dealing
with laminitis flare-ups I use:
Nux vomica
6c – dose 2 times a day for 5-7 days until improvement noticed
(This remedy
is particularly effective for the horse that appears fidgety and irritable as
the condition arises.
If your
horse’s condition shows slight improvement as it begins to warm and move use,
Rhus Toxicodendron 6c , 2-3 times a day until noticeable improvement (This may
take 3-8 weeks).
In the case
of chronic laminitis to assist with regeneration of damaged tissue inside of
the hoof, I like to use, Calcarea Fluorica 30c, dose morning and evening 2 days a week for
4-6 weeks.
There are
several beneficial herbs that, when used appropriately, will have positive
influence on the prevention and treatment of founder and its various effects.
Some of these, when combined with other herbs, have increased action on the
condition. Yes, many conventional drugs are derived from herbs but these drugs
contain a concentration of active ingredients to address the symptoms. Because
the herbs remain whole and complete in their composition, the properties
maintain their natural balance and work together thus addressing underlying causes and treating the horse as a
whole.
In the case
of founder, herbs can be used to cleanse the body, aid digestion, lower
discomfort, restore balance to the horse’s system and promote healthy tissue
growth.
For the
prevention of laminitis and especially for horses with recurring founder:
Burdock Root
– stimulates digestion and cleanses the blood
Chamomile –
is an anti-inflammatory, improves circulation and aids digestion
Horehound –
aids digestion
To aid the
body in flushing out toxins that may build up and lead to laminitis:
Blessed
thistle – helps treat liver problems and aids circulation
Cleavers –
high in silica, a mineral that helps ensure strong hooves, it is also an effective
lymphatic cleanser
Comfrey –
full of nutrients, helps soothe inflamed tissue, promotes fast healing –
especially of bone and connective tissue
Dandelion
root and leaf – mineral rich and helps to clear the body of waste matter and
toxins
Milk thistle
seed or powder - Should be considered
for the horse that has been on heavy drug therapies or steady use of pain
relievers. It is a very effective liver cleanser; if the liver is not working
properly the body cannot expel toxins from the system.
Nettle (dried
leaves) – stimulates circulation, is a blood cleanser and overall body system
conditioner; they are very nutritious
Horses that
have foundered commonly develop infections and abscesses in their feet.
Goldenseal , though pricey, works well for deep-seated infections. A blend of
garlic and hawthorn is a more economical and very effective treatment.
Adding pain
relieving herbs such as devil’s claw and white willow is helpful and may allow
you to forego the use of butazolidin. Devil’s claw is an effective
anti-inflammatory and pain reliever. White willow bark is a pain reliever and
anti-inflammatory that is useful in cases of laminitis and navicular syndrome.
Celery seed and stalk will improve appetite and has anti-inflammatory
benefits.
The use of
an herbal hoof pack may help with infections and abscesses in founder cases.
One can be created by combining comfrey leaf, plantain leaf, powdered
marshmallow root, and a drop of tea tree oil with warm water to make a
paste-like consistency. Apply to the hoof sole and keep in place for 48 hours
to help draw out heat and infection.
Garlic, kelp
and rose hips are herbs that hell strengthen the hoof and encourage healthy
growth. Kelp is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and iodine. Rose
hips improve hoof strength and condition because they contain bioflavonoids and
are an excellent source of vitamin C. Any herbs that stimulate circulation to
the hoof will improve the quality of growth.
I always
recommend speaking with your veterinarian and farrier when you suspect founder.
Treating the condition at an early stage greatly improves your horse’s
prognosis and return to sound health. The information shared here is intended
as informational supportive education. The more we know, the better we are able
to provide effective,safe care for our horses.
