Prevent and Treat Laminitis Naturally

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.