Laminitis is more common in adult horses and ponies than in foals but does occasionally occur in foals. It most commonly presents as severe pain affecting both front limbs.

At what age can a horse get laminitis?

Risk increases with age, and clinical signs are most frequently first seen in horses in their mid-teens. Horses as young as 7 (Heinrichs et al 1990, Orth et al 1982) have been diagnosed with PPID.

Can mares in foals get laminitis?

Laminitis typically worsens in late pregnancy and and improves after foaling; therefore the aim of treatment is to maintain the mare in a comfortable state until she foals. If it is suspected that the laminitis is associated with increased soluble carbohydrates, the diet needs to be modified.