Laminitis is a crippling disease of the equine hoof that causes intense and severe pain when horses put all of their weight on the affected leg. Despite continuing research, the exact mechanisms that lead to laminitis have not been identified.
Often the beginnings of laminitis are thought to be excess grain or the eating of too much grass that creates an accumulated excess of non-structural carbohydrates. The horse may not be able to digest the carbohydrates in the foregut.
Excess carbohydrates move to the hindgut and ferment in the cecum. This causes an increase in lactic acid levels and proliferation of bacteria capable of producing endotoxins. Endotoxins are absorbed into the bloodstream resulting in a decreased circulation, especially in the hoof.
Research studies using archived serum samples have indicated two new avenues for studying prevention and early detection of laminitis. A rapid increase in serum amyloid A (SAA), a blood protein seen during an inflammatory event in the initial hours of laminitis development was noted during this research.
Production of SAA within the hoof during laminitis development has been previously reported, indicating that SAA may be a sensitive indicator of inflammation and response to treatment.
If this form of the protein could be differentiated from that produced elsewhere in the horse’s body, early damage might be detected.
Metabolic and vascular-related stresses that allow endotoxins and lactic acid to be released into the bloodstream, affecting the arteries and smaller capillaries that nourish the feet, including the laminae need further study to determine how they can be counter-acted or avoided.
The ability to accurately monitor the hoof during septic shock has not been available previously, and, unfortunately, laminitis is currently detectable only after irreversible damage has occurred and the horse has become lame.
Further research into why there is a significant change in blood proteins and a decrease in circulation during laminitis development may pave the way for new and better treatment, as well, as methods of prevention.