Sep 12

Sep 12 Laminitis vs. Founder

Drawing of Equine Hoof Anatomy — The two terms “laminitis” and “founder” are often used interchangeably however they actually mean two different things.

Laminitis

Laminitis = inflammation (“-itis”) of the laminae
Laminae = a thin layer of organic tissue inside the hoof capsule

Laminae tissues suspend the coffin bone to the inner side of the hoof wall. When the laminae experience inflammation, this disrupts the integrity of that connection between the hoof wall and coffin bone.

Laminitis can be subtle or pronounced which can make it difficult to diagnose in the acute or subclinical stage. As horse owners, it is incredibly important to remain aware of the subtle symptoms that can be persistent for an incredibly long period of time - until a catastrophe occurs (such as founder).

Founder

Founder = rotation of the coffin bone

Sometimes this is referred to as chronic laminitis when really it means rotation of the coffin bone which often happens due to repeated laminitic events. When the connection begins to fail, the coffin bone is no longer connected as well to the hoof wall within the hoof capsule.

Sometimes you’ll hear that a horse has “foundered” in the past or is currently “foundering”. This is often due to past or ongoing, chronic, laminitis.

There is such thing as mechanical founder, which can be created due to improper hoof care and/or trimming.

There are varying degrees of founder depending on how much or how far the coffin bone has rotated. Some horses who have experienced a more ‘acute’ episode may show slight rotation. Severe cases can include horses whose coffin bones have rotated so far that they are bulging into or have penetrated the sole of the hoof.