Instructions
Contact the veterinarian for an examination at the first sign of any lameness or tenderness. Some horses can go from grade 1 laminitis to the most severe level of grade 4 in just hours, so a wait-and-see attitude is dangerous. Determining and eliminating the cause is crucial, and will likely require blood tests and X-rays.
Call the farrier to come immediately to assist the veterinarian in determining the best treatment approach. The best treatment requires cooperation among the owner, veterinarian and the farrier. Special hoof trimming, boots or other supports may be needed.
Use a temporary frog support while waiting for the farrier, if possible. If not, try to get the horse onto sand, to help support the frog and sole, hopefully limiting rotation and sinking of the coffin bone.
Follow the veterinarian's and farrier's advice carefully. Your ability and willingness to strictly follow their instructions, and keep up the horse's nursing care, are key to the healing process. Some horses, especially if they have advanced symptoms, require at least minimal preventive care for life once the immediate condition has healed.
How to Bring a Foundered Horse Back to Work
Founder, or chronic laminitis, is a complex, very serious and debilitating disease of horses. The laminae, which carry blood to all parts of the horse's foot and connect the coffin bone to the hoof wall, become inflamed, with reduced blood circulation. As the disease advances, the laminae die because of the lack of blood, and with no laminae to support it, the coffin bone can rotate out of position and even fall through the sole. Regardless of the stage of the disease, it is extremely painful for the horse, and requires intense veterinary and nursing care if the horse is to have a chance at full recovery. Caught early and treated properly, founder can be reversed.