Non Infectious conditions - Equines

1. Non Infectious Conditions
Equines
Dr. Raymond Slaa

2. Identify non infectious conditions of horses
i. Colic
ii. Laminitis-lameness
iii. Equine metabolic syndrome
iv. Physical injuries-wounds, fractures
v. Bloat- Stomach distention/Caecum Tympany
vi. Hormonal imbalances- Cushing's syndrome
vii. Inflammatory airway disease (IAD)- Dust
viii. Poisoning-lead, warfarin, alkaloids from plant, arsenic
ix. Hardware diseases-sharp objects
x. Software diseases (nylon, plastic bags, hairballs, sisal

3. Predisposing factors
i. Dietary challenges; feed overload, sudden changes of feeds, poison,
allergic reactions
ii. Foreing bodies ingestion; GIT obstructions, mucosal traumatization-
exposing to secondary bacterial infections.
iii. Congenital defects of glands, resulting to hormonal imbalances
iv. Poor management of horses (hygiene, feeds, water, hoof care,
disease control.
v. Rough handling of horses subject to injuries
vi. Confining horses to stall all time-reduce hindgut motility and
stressing horse
vii. Inadequate exercise

4. Laminitis
This is the inflammation and damage of the laminae (membrane between hoof and
distal phalanx-coffin bone) of the horse limb. In severe cases the coffin bone and
hoof are separated and coffin bone can rotate resulting to more severe pain
It’s most causes of lameness in horses. It is irreversible, once it occurred can not be
treated, management is usually performed to minimize further damage.
Causes of laminitis
i. Excessive grain intake, access to pasture high in sugars
ii. Equine metabolic syndrome
iii. Weight bearing due to injury/Orthopaedic surgery to other limb(supporting
limb laminitis)
iv. Systemic inflammatory response- sepsis related laminitis)
v. Physical injuries especially racing horses

5. Laminitis cont.’
Clinical signs
 Lameness; one or more limbs
 Horse reluctant to move/unwilling to stand or rise(recumbency)
 increased hoof temperature
 swelling of limb
 Sawhorse stance-indicating discomfort
 increased respiratory rate and pulse rate
 weight loss, anorexia- chronic form
 Coffin bone penetrates through the sole of hoof exposing to infections

6. Normal & Laminitis images

7. Laminitis images

8. Laminitis cont.’
Diagnosis
 History- Injuries, grain overfeeding
Clinical signs- lameness
 Radiography- clear separation btn hoof and coffin bone, rotation of coffin bone
Treatment and control
 Pain management, analgesics or Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs-Phynylbutazone or
flunixin
Supportive treatment- Antibiotics if injuries occurred, proper feeding,
 Hoof management, bedding
 Restrict movement –rest the horse
 Dietary management –minimize sugar and carbohydrate diet and lush pasture with high
sugar
 Provide support for a limb opposite one that is injured to avoid supportive limb laminitis

9. The End