Deadly Laminitis is the malfunction of the blood supply to a horse's hooves. Blood is diverted from the horse's hooves causing the death of living tissue.
Founder is the word used to describe the mechanical result of laminitis.
Living tissue holds in place and supports the bones in the horse's hooves and thus the leg bones and the weight of the horse himself. The horse, in an attempt to shift the weight off of the front feet which are usually more severely affected in the early stages, will tuck his hind feet as far forward under his body as he can while standing. The head is low and the back is arched. In addition, there will be excessive heat and stronger and more easily felt pounding of the pulse at the hoof. The veterinarian will usually administer antihistamines, pain killers, drugs to reduce heat and swelling, and drugs to attempt to restore circulation to the feet.