10
edits
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
no edit summary
=== Radiography ===
=== Radiography ===
Radiographs should be taken of front feet or all feet if all legs are affected. A metal strip should be placed on the dorsal wall of the hoof and the sole should be maked with a similar metal strip or a pin can be used. They the angle of the pedal bone in relation to the hoof can then be analysed and the radiograph should be shown to the farrier who is working with you on the case for corrective farriery.
Radiographs should be taken of front feet or all feet if all legs are affected. A metal strip should be placed on the dorsal wall of the hoof and the sole should be maked with a similar metal strip or a pin can be used. They the angle of the pedal bone in relation to the hoof can then be analysed and the radiograph should be shown to the farrier who is working with you on the case for corrective farriery. Radiographs are essential for prognosis.
You should measure:
* Distance between the top of the hoof wall the top of the extensor process of pedal bone
* Distance between dorsal hoof wall and dorsal cortex of pedal bone
Radiographic changes:
* If mild or acute may show no changes
* If mild or acute may show no changes
* May show rotation of the pedal bone as a tilting of the distal aspect towards the sole
* May show rotation of the pedal bone as a tilting of the distal aspect towards the sole
* Serum build up may be evident as a radiolucent line between the dorsal hoof wall and the pedal bone
* Serum build up may be evident as a radiolucent line between the dorsal hoof wall and the pedal bone
== Prognosis ==
The worse the rotation of the pedal bone the less chance of returning to athletic function or even to becoming pain free.
== Differential Diagnosis ==
Symptoms of the following diseases can be similar but there is no pain in the feet:
* [[Equine Rhabdomyolysis Syndrome]]
* [[Clostridium species|Tetanus]]
* Colic
* Spinal Ataxia
== Treatment ==
Acute laminitis is an '''emergency'''. Box rest is an important part of treatment and return to work should be very gradual.
Aims:
* Removing inciting cause
* Relieve pain and reduce inflammation
* Dilate blood vessels in the foot
* Prevent microthrombi formation
* Prevent rotation or sinking of the pedal bone
* Promote hoof growth
Analgesics, mainly [[NSAIDs]] (Phenylbutazone) are the main treatment. It may also help break the theorised pain-hypertension-vasoconstriction cycle.
Other available NSAIDs are Flunixin Meglumine, Ketoprofen and Dimethyl Sulfoxide.
Vasodilators and anticoagulants are also optional add on drugs, depending on the case.
Mechanical support is important and may provide some pain relief and help prevent rotation or sinking of the pedal bone. It can be done with polystyrene or other packing materials or keeping the animal on soft, deep bedding. Elevating the heel with a wedge or wedge shoe may be useful to take off some of the strain on the deep digital flexor tendon and help to reduce rotation. The farrier will be able to help here with the use of egg bar, heart bar and plastic shoes.
Treatment should be monitored physically and radiographically.