Laminite em cavalos: uma emergência dolorosa no casco
Laminite é a inflamação das lâminas sensíveis dentro do casco. É extremamente doloroso e pode causar claudicação permanente.
A laminite é uma inflamação e dano às lâminas – os tecidos interligados que suspendem o osso do caixão dentro da parede do casco. Quando as lâminas são danificadas, o osso do caixão gira ou afunda para baixo, causando dor insuportável e claudicação potencialmente permanente. A laminite é uma das condições mais devastadoras em cavalos.
Pontos-chave
- Laminitis is a medical emergency — the first 24-72 hours are critical
- Common triggers include grain overload, obesity, Cushing's disease, and steroid use
- Ponies, draft horses, and easy keepers are at highest risk
- The classic stance is rocking back on the hind feet to relieve pressure on the fronts
- X-rays assess coffin bone rotation and guide treatment
- Treatment includes pain control, ice therapy, dietary restriction, and supportive shoeing
Understanding Laminitis
The laminae are microscopic interlocking finger-like projections that attach the coffin bone (P3) to the inner hoof wall. They function like Velcro, holding the bone in place while allowing the hoof to grow downward. In laminitis, these laminae become inflamed, edematous, and eventually necrotic. The laminae on the front feet bear 60-70% of the horse's weight, making them more commonly affected. The result is separation of the bone from the hoof wall, leading to rotation (the toe of the bone tips down) or sinking (the bone descends uniformly).
Signs to Recognize
The classic stance is rocking backward, shifting weight onto the hind feet to relieve pressure on the painful front feet. Horses with all four feet affected stand with all feet camped under the body. The digital pulse in the pastern is bounding and strong. Hoof testers elicit pain, especially over the toe. Lameness is severe — often grade 4-5/5. Some horses are reluctant to move or lie down frequently. Warmth in the hooves may be palpable. Chronic cases show divergent hoof rings (wider at the heel than the toe).
Treatment
Immediate box rest on deep, soft bedding (sand or shredded paper) reduces pressure on the laminae. Ice therapy to the feet and lower limbs for 24-72 hours reduces inflammation. Pain control with NSAIDs (phenylbutazone, flunixin) is essential. Pentoxifylline and acepromazine improve digital blood flow. Dietary management removes all grain and restricts grass access. Medicated hoof pads and deep bedding provide cushioning. Therapeutic shoeing with heart bar shoes or clogs redistributes weight away from the painful toe.
Quando consultar um veterinário imediatamente
- Your horse is rocking back on the hind feet to avoid putting weight on the fronts
- The digital pulse is bounding and the hooves feel warm
- Your horse is acutely lame and reluctant to move
- There's recent grain overload, colic, or access to lush pasture
- A metabolic condition like Cushing's or EMS is diagnosed
Este artigo é apenas para fins educacionais e não substitui o aconselhamento veterinário profissional. Se o seu animal apresentar algum sintoma, entre em contato imediatamente com o Royal Veterinary Center pelo telefone +853 6677 6611.