Laminitis is an emergency
Inflammation and failure of the laminar tissues can cause severe pain and lasting hoof damage. Early veterinary and farrier involvement matters.
Subtle signs
Shortened stride, reluctance to turn, shifting weight, increased digital pulses, warm feet or unusual stiffness can precede dramatic signs.
Risk contexts
High-sugar pasture, insulin dysregulation, retained placenta, severe systemic illness and excessive mechanical loading can all be relevant.
What owners should do
Stop exercise, call a veterinarian, move only as needed for safety, and follow instructions about footing, cryotherapy or transport.
Prevention is individual
Pasture management, body condition, exercise, hoof care and endocrine testing may all be part of prevention for at-risk horses.