Laminitis
By definition laminitis is the failure of the attachment
between the distal phalanx (coffin bone) and the inner
hoof wall. When the lamellae of the inner hoof wall, which
normally suspend the distal phalanx from the inner surface
of the hoof capsule fail, laminitis occurs. The major
causative factor is vasoconstriction and inflammation
of the soft tissues.
Laminitis is one of the most common causes of lameness
of horses and ponies in the UK. It does not just affect
the front feet; just the hind feet may be involved, or
one foot or all the feet.
Overeating / unsuitable diets are the most common high
risk situations which lead to laminitis, by disrupting
hindgut fermentation and releasing absorbable toxins or
overproducing certain nutrients.
Other causes of laminitis include systemic infections
(particularly where caused by bacteria) as they can cause
the release of endotoxins into the blood stream. A retained
placenta in a mare is also a notorious cause of laminitis.
Laminitis can sometimes develop after a serious case
of colic, due to the release of endotoxins into the blood
stream. Concussive laminitis (road founder) is caused
by fast or prolonged work on hard surfaces. The laminitis
develops as a result of trauma to the laminae, particularly
if their horn quality is poor.
Can Equissage help?
In a word "yes" as modern treatments include
applying warm compresses around the lower leg to help
open up the constricted blood vessels - and what does
Equissage do - generate heat within the body.
As pain relieving drugs are routinely administered, such
as phenylbutazone, as are anticoagulants and vasodilators
to improve blood flow and reduce blood pressure as well
as treatments to reduce the inflammation, Equissage usage
will help negate the toxic effects these drugs can have
particularly in horses more prone to digestive upsets.
By using Equissage as part of the treatment you can only
do good as the cycloid massage promotes blood flow as
well as the elimination of toxins. This is particularly
of benefit if the laminitis has been caused by toxaemia
or digestive upset (the most common causes). As in so
many conditions, with the horse being uncomfortable tensions
in other parts of the body will be present, and in the
case of laminitis particularly through the back as the
horse seeks relief from the pressure in its front feet.
Regular massaging will obviously help with these secondary
conditions. Also as veterinary science currently recommends
that laminitis patients are kept still (as opposed to
the belief a few years ago that they should be encouraged
to walk) using Equissage will help maintain normal bodily
functions which can often become compromised in the inactive
horse.
Application:
In the case of laminitis little and often is the best
treatment because the foot or feet will be so congested
due to the restriction of the natural swelling process
imposed by the hoof wall. Whilst the promotion of blood
flow to the laminae is desired to help repair the damaged
cells - and is what nature tries to do - the amount of
swelling is usually too great and the blood cannot reach
its destination nor can it circulate properly. Shorter,
more frequent applications will guard against even more
over stimulation of the blood supply feet. If possible
as well as using the Pad also use the Hand Unit held on
the underneath of the foot - both on a medium setting.
The feet being distal from the heart - the natural pumping
tool of the body - the Hand Unit will help overcome the
effects of gravity.
For more information please call 0800 072 1180,
email us at info@equissage.co.uk
or request a FREE TRIAL
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