Laminitis: What to expect during recovery

[Zink]

My boy was diagnosed with "slight, not that bad" rotation a couple of weeks ago after going lame. The vet and farrier came and did their thing, deep shavings were put in for a suggested six weeks of box rest and a mainly-hay diet plan was agreed on.

To start with, he seemed comfortable and was standing fine - you wouldn't have known there was an issue - but the last few days he's rocking about and leaning back as he shuffles around his stall, not comfortable at all.

I'm asking if this is usual. I was expecting good days and bad days, but although I've found lots of care tips and suggestions online, I've been unable to find much info about the recovery process itself from the horse's point of view. I know every case is different but I would like to have an idea of what i might expect to go through from those who have bern through it. Thank you.

 

[fusspot]

If this was me I would be getting the vet back out ASAP.Rocking and leaning back especially when wanting to move about is Laminitis.If the horse was better and nothing noticeable before and is now starting doing that,you need a vet as horse is deteriorating.It could be something as simple as the feet have grown and need re trimming and getting back to a good angle to relieve the pressure.Years ago with Laminitis we were always told to put 2 inches of sand in base of bed under Shavings as this helped to pack into feet which helps increase pressure on the frog thus increasing blood flow which encourages healing in the foot.Problem is as much as you need to rest the feet to heal,they need some gentle movement when comfy enough so that the blood can flow to encourage healing,if they just stand still with virtually no movement then there is a chance they can deteriorate as the blood is not pumping round feet.A lot of vets ask your farrier to put frog supports on which put some pressure on frog to keep everything working in the foot.With Laminitis they can have sudden growth spurts within the foot which then puts them at a bad angle and makes them sore again so they almost need the feet checking every couple of weeks.You will need pain relief and also find out what is causing it.If been in on box rest with the correct low sugar diet then it will be another underlying cause-Cushings or EMS.When recovering they will have some better days than others but that’s normally when they have been quite bad to start with.Plenty of small,soaked haynets is better than one big haynet with a molasses free diet where possible.Good Luck.

 

[meleeka]

I’d also ring the vet again. Stiffness can be an issue but rocking doesn’t sound like it’s thar. Have you tested for Cushings?

 

[be positive]

You make no mention of pain relief, he needs to be on bute until he is comfortable, the diet may needing tweaking as already said and I would be looking into why he got it, why he has any rotation, they don't all get it if the laminitis is minor, as he is getting worse not better you need the vet back quickly and a clearer plan of action.

 

[ycbm]

I don't think this is usual, cases I've known haven't got worse after two weeks. Has he been tested for Cushing's? is the hay soaked? Is anyone feeling sorry for him and feeding him stuff he shouldn't have?

.

 

[vmac66]

As others, have said I'd get the vet back out. He should be starting to improve. Is he on bute to reduce inflammation.. My mare had it earlier this year and had soaked haynets.

 

[honetpot]

I would agree about the bed, it has to be firm enough to pack the soles, pain relief for pain and to encourage movement so the circulation is improved.I fed soaked hay and barley straw so there is plenty in the gut.
I to would get the vet out for a review. Sorry to hear about your horse, it’s a slow process.

 

[Pinkvboots]

Get the vet back if his rocking that is considerable pain, he should be on Bute if his not already and adjusted to suit his needs a lot of vets use paracetamol for laminitis now and works well.

Has he had his feet padded? It really can make them so much more comfortable in the beginning.

 

[Zink]

Thanks all for replies so far. Yes, he's on bute and I've just asked the vet to come again this week to see him and take another set of x-rays.

We don't know the cause of the laminitis but a few of us had to move to another yard ten months ago - a completely different environment and setup. My ride buddy's horse was also diagnosed with laminitis in May, with far worse rotation, and she is on a very slow recovery, right next to my boy.

 

[Pinkvboots]

How awful sounds like the grass may have been fertilised at the new place, I won't put mine on fertilised grass I had the same happened to me years ago 3 horses went down with it, I hope the x rays give you some hope, it's a bit of a juggling act getting the pain control right in the beginning, my big horse was on 6 Bute a day to start with but after about 10 days it could be reduced, my friends horse was really uncomfortable and he was on Bute and paracetamol which really helped.

 

[JillA]

These people are very good, based not only on research but experience, worth discussing with them. http://www.thelaminitissite.org/ My vet was still stuck in the past (heart bar shoes ) but my horse is now 100% lammi free thanks to the people at TLS and their protocols (plus their understanding of underlying causes). Does you new yard have a lot of rye grass? It has several hundred times more sugar than the usual meadow grasses