founder [foun-der] – verb.docx

founder [foun-der] – verbTo fall or sink down, to stumble, break down, or go lamelaminitis [lam-uh-nahy-tis] – nounInflammation of sensitive laminae in the hoof of a horse Founder and laminitis are interchangeable terms used by horsemen around the world. Laminitis can be caused by any event that stresses your horse – from concussive forces on a hard surface, lush feeds, to hormonal imbalances or illnesses. Your horse can also founder if he has a condition known as metabolic syndrome – a disease rather like diabetes in people – where high glucose diets over the years, obesity, and genetic predisposition can result in multiple physical changes within the horse’s body.Foundering horses are in extreme pain. Your veterinarian should be consulted whenever your horse appears stiff, points a foot, or shifts weight from leg to leg. In later stages of laminitis, the horse may refuse to move, lie down excessively, or sweat with pain. The prognosis for recovery is better if the horse is treated early in the course of the disease. Careful attention to body condition scoring (a method of monitoring body fat) can help prevent problems from starting. (see .ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex4830 )Thorough diagnosis includes a physical examination, hoof examination, and may include blood work (routine, blood glucose, insulin levels, ACTH levels, and sometimes suppression tests and thyroid testing). Treatments include icing the feet, changing footing/ supporting the frog and sole of the foot (shoes, special boots, or Styrofoam taped to hooves), and anti-inflammatories (like bute). Your veterinarian may also choose to administer a drug such as acepromazine or pentoxyphylline to improve circulation. Many horses with environmentally induced laminitis (excessive grain or grass consumption, concussion on a hard road, etc) can be successfully managed with only these therapies. Horses that have experienced laminitis need their owners to closely monitor their