What does it mean when a horse has equine founder?
Equine founder is another term for equine laminitis, which means inflammation of the laminae. The laminea is tissue portion of the horse’s foot that sits between the bones of the toe and the hoof wall. This tissue is full of blood vessels that feed the hoof.
When do you euthanize a horse with founder?
Founder (aka laminitis) in horses is a very serious condition of the foot caused by the coffin bone rotating and pointing towards the horse’s sole. This is extremely painful and in some instances it may be necessary to euthanize the horse. Founder can happen in any of hoof, but most often it happens in the front.
Is there a cure for founder in horses?
Horses that have foundered will also frequently need more regular farrier care than horses that have not foundered. This will help the horse stay comfortable and even prevent the horse from being infected again. So, there is no miracle drug that will cure a horse from the infections that founder brings.
Why does my horse founder in the morning?
Some grass, when eaten early in the morning, can also lead to laminitis and founder. This is particularly true if the grass is from a new source. Horses need their feed changed very slowly, and it’s not just to prevent founder. Too swift a change and the horse could develop colic.
Is it possible for a horse to have founder?
Many horses prefer to sleep lying down. So, for this to be a symptom of founder, it needs to be clear that the horse is laying down more frequently than normal. It may also need to be accompanied by other symptoms before founder is suspected. There are many ways to treat founder.
What causes a horse to founder on the track?
Horse founder can also be caused by repeated hard concussion….running a horse on cement or excessive work on a race track. Giving a hot sweaty horse cold water before cooling the horse down can cause laminitis. Equine founder can be associated with uterine infections after foaling, pneumonia and toxemia related to drug overdoses.
Founder (aka laminitis) in horses is a very serious condition of the foot caused by the coffin bone rotating and pointing towards the horse’s sole. This is extremely painful and in some instances it may be necessary to euthanize the horse. Founder can happen in any of hoof, but most often it happens in the front.
What was the name of the horse that foundered?
We were told our horse might have foundered. Our grandson saw the concern in our faces and immediately asked, what is founder, and why are you so concerned?
