In cold weather, we can see a sudden increase in hoof pain in some horses with a past of laminitis even with no change in management. We’ve all had those cases: their hay is tested and balanced, their bloodwork is perfect, they have zero access to any grain or grass or treats or alfalfa, and their feet don’t even seem warm, but they are walking on eggshells all of the sudden after a cold snap. Owners and professionals on the horse’s care team are scrambling to get them more comfortable, but all the “normal” protocols that usually work don’t seem to be helping at all! What could be going on?
Winter laminitis can occur in some metabolic or previously laminitis horses in cold weather due to previous damage to the circulatory system in the hoof, causing a lack of proper blood flow in the hoof capsule. This vasoconstriction can be incredibly painful for them, as painful as an active laminitic attack. So what we do do?
In this week’s mini episode, we didn’t record an interview due to the holidays, but Alicia discusses a bit about winter laminitis and some steps owners can take to treat it, and ideally prevent it in the future. You can hear the (short) synopsis on any podcast app under “The Humble Hoof,” or directly at this link.
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