A horse suffering from laminitis can be in extreme amounts of pain as the tissues that suspend the coffin bone in the hoof capsule become inflamed and possibly even separate from the bone. Definitively diagnosed using X-rays, this disease can be managed via the same diagnostic tool – even once the horse is out of the acute laminitis phase, reports The Horse.
Radiographs can show subtle changes inside a horse's hooves before they become an active laminitis event. Dr. Craig Lesser of Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington suggests owners of foundered horses have radiographs taken every six months to one year after the onset of laminitis occurs. This will show not only the progression of the disease, but also how effective the treatments are, he said.
The most-useful time to have radiographs taken is immediately before or after the horse is shod, Lesser recommended. Taking X-rays before the horse is shod allows for the farrier to see how the last shoeing altered hoof growth, and it tells him or her how much hoof can safely be trimmed. Taking X-rays after shoeing will allow the farrier to see how the reset altered the coffin bone's position.
Proactive treatment of laminitis is important as the condition can be crippling. Taking regular X-rays of laminitic horse's hooves can help them live healthier, longer lives.
Read more at The Horse.
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