Laminitis can be caused by many factors, including overeating (obesity), working on a hard surface (commonly referred to as road founder), running high fevers, exposure to black walnut shavings, and stress. Ponies are extremely susceptible to laminitis, especially when fed rich, lush forage.

Where is laminitis on a horse?

Laminitis (also termed founder) is inflammation of the laminae of the foot – the soft tissue structures that attach the coffin or pedal bone of the foot to the hoof wall. The inflammation and damage to the laminae causes extreme pain and leads to instability of the coffin bone in the hoof.

What time of year do horses get laminitis?

Commonly horses are susceptible to laminitis in the spring as the lush grass begins to come through. An overload in carbohydrates is often the trigger for laminitis, especially in ponies.