The bone may be pushed down into the sole of the foot, resulting in painful lameness. It is difficult for horses to take weight off their feet because they don't like to lie down. Fluids are trapped in the front of the foot similar to a blood blister under the fingernail. Secondary problems can develop. Horses with acute laminitis are lame, depressed, off feed and reluctant to move.
All feet are susceptible, but most often the weight-bearing front feet are affected.
He said the condition needs immediate attention from a vet and farrier. Otherwise, it risks becoming a chronic condition or results in deformed hoof bones. The vet must go to the horse, because loading the horse into a trailer could worsen the condition. The hoof wall can tear away in a few minutes and it can take a year to heal and grow back. The first step is getting the weight off the horse's feet.