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Posted on 12/30/2004 7:01:16 PM PST by HairOfTheDog
Does it mention the timing in that description? Perhaps it is after the initial acute phase and icing? To speed recovery in the secondary phase of it?
I found this:
Treatment regimens for acute laminitis are primarily based on the experience and results of retrospective studies. The goals fo treatment are 1) to prevent the development of laminitis, 2) to reduce the pain or hypertension cycle, 3) to reduce or to prevent permanent laminar damage 4) to improve dermal laminar capillary hemodynamics and 5) to prevent movement of the distal phalanx. Acute laminitis should be considered a medical emergency, and treatment should be initiated as soon as possible, preferably before clinical signs develop.
So far I can't find where it says exactly when to do what. I'll keep reading.
If it says in this book when to start a treatment and what to use, I can't find it. I'll keep looking and if I find something, I'll post it to you.
Thanks.... it would seem if timing were important, though, it would be pretty clearly spelled out.
Or it could be that I'm just an idiot. :)
I found this in my Equine Science textbook:
As soon as signs of laminitis are noted in a horse, a vet should be called. The horse is usually treated with drugs to decrease the inflammation. Special pads are put on the sole to support it. Early in the course of laminitis, special shoes can be put on the feet to elevate the heel and take pressure off the deep flexor tendon that is responsible for the rotation of the coffin bone. Hot and cold water soaks are often used to increase circulation to the lamina and cool the feet. This also helps make the horse more comfortable. The stall should be deeply bedded to help cushion the feet.
If you talk to my boss he'll tell you I don't work outside the home at all. If you talk to my wife she'll tell you I don't work at home, either.
Based on what they are saying I guess I should have voted for Kerry so I could get paid to do nuttin.
But what's the first sign? Warmness and soreness?
Were you serious about the swamp land though? If so, wow!
This is what my equine science textbook says:
The first signs of laminitis are often subtle and can be easily missed. However, the condition develops rapidly, and if not caught immediately, the horse can quickly become quite lame. Initial signs include restlessness or agitation-the horse will pace around the stall and shift its weight back and forth between its feet. Within the first day, the horse is often reluctant to turn and its gait will be stiff. In the first 2 days, the horse often assumes the classic laminitis stance, to shift weight onto its heels and off its toes, which hurt. Digital pulses will often be moderate to bounding by this time and there is usally a depression at the apex of the coronary band. By this stage, it is essential to get the horse under a veterinarians care.
Personally, I always check George's digital pulses regularly during the spring and fall, his most usual time to founder. They really pound when he's in trouble. Get your vet to show you how to do this if you don't know how.
Another thing that I (of course) read was that they are at a higher risk with transport and need padding for long distances. I was concerned about Okie and watched him close when I brought him down but he was fine. Probably all that wiggling around:')
You can still by the James Herriot books.
A nitro patch? What's that?
Good morning everyone,
Had an association meeting last night and didn't get on.
Hope everyone is well.
Regarding founder, just my opinion - I always check hooves immediately if anyone seems stiff or ouchy. Any heat at all and I start hosing down feet. I haven't had a horse founder yet but that's just luck so far. Horses will founder from hard work, green grass, too much grain, too much water when hot and illness. If caught and treated immediately, much if not all the damage is prevented. Colic and founder do not necessarily follow each other.
The cold water on legs and feet is to stop the swelling and prevent damage. If it isn't done as soon as possible, it won't do much good.
I have a friend that is an equine science major and had a rehab clinic up by Colorado State University. When my pony George foundered, which he does regularly, she put some nitroglycerian cream on a piece of gauze and put it on George's pastern, on the back where the hoof meets leg, and taped it on. Both fronts, by the way. Evidently, it stops the pulses from pounding and helps with pain. When I used the nitro, George got over this episode of founder within a couple of weeks, as opposed to the usual months. It really was amazing. Go back through the posts, lots of good information in there.
Actually, a horse can have laminitis without founder. Not likely, but possible.
Here is a good description:
Laminitis is defined as an inflammation of the lamina of the inner hoof wall. Laminitis and a process called founder are often thought to be the same problem. Laminitis is due to the metabolic changes that affect the lamina. Founder is the mechanical displacement of the coffin bone with in the foot. Founder is associated with laminitis but it is possible for a horse to have laminitis without founder.
George the pony has no discernable rotation of the coffin bone, going by x-rays. I guess I've always caught it early enough that the damage was kept to a minimum.
I see. See, I first learned that they are two seperate things, and then was told by other horse people (in ernest) that they in fact are not.
Heheh. Yeah. I saw all the post after I asked the question. Sorry. :-)
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