The severity of the case, the facilities available for treatment and the preferences of the individual veterinarian will determine the treatment recommended. There is no sure cure for laminitis, and different veterinarians may well recommend different regimes. Whatever the treatment, it is important to obtain high quality X-rays of the feet as the case progresses, to monitor the position of the coffin bone within the foot. Also important is a good working relationship between your veterinarian and farrier. In a severe case of laminitis, a good 3-way team of veterinarian, farrier and owner may make the difference between success and failure.
Some cases are so severe that the horses are best euthanised.
You should be prepared to make this decision for the sake of your animal. Prevention Prevention of laminitis resolves around careful, sensible horse management. Some cases of laminitis are not preventable, but the majority of cases would never occur if the following guidelines were followed. Author Janet Douglas earned her degree in Veterinary Medicine at the University of Cambridge, England. She continued her pursuit of excellence at the Equine Research Centre, Guelph, Ontario, where she focused on equine orthopaedics.