Founder Horse Disease

Founder, also known as laminitis, is a potentially devastating equine foot disease characterized by inflammation and pain. If you suspect that your horse has founder, call your veterinarian---it is an emergency situation. Founder occurs more commonly in the front feet, but it can affect the back feet as well. Be on the lookout for founder in late spring and early summer. Fructan, a compound found in new grass, is highest at these times. Horses have difficulty digesting this substance, and ingesting it can cause a release of toxins that slow the flow of blood to the hoof, causing grass founder.

  1. Symptoms

    • One of the most noticeable symptoms of founder is the "rocking horse" stance. If only the front feet are affected, your horse will stand with his back feet pulled under his body to take most of his weight. He will push his front feet forward, with the weight on his heels. He will show reluctance to walk, and if all four feet are affected he may lie down and refuse to rise. Feel his feet: founder causes intense heat in the hoof. Disorientation, glazed eyes and pounding pulse may accompany founder.

    Causes

    • The most common cause of founder is lush spring pasture. Overweight horses are more prone to founder, but it can happen to any horse. Do not let your horse eat lawn grass clippings, and don't overload her with grain. Be watchful of any horse that has a thick "cresty" neck---they tend to founder more than others. Founder is often a recurrent condition. If your horse has foundered in the past, she may founder again. Cushioned stall mats may reduce the chance of founder.

    Diagnosis

    • Contact your veterinarian immediately if you think your horse has foundered. Don't try to move your horse if he will not willingly move---you could do permanent damage. Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical examination to confirm the diagnosis and make recommendations for the best possible outcome.

    Treatment

    • If grain is the source of your horse's founder, your veterinarian may prescribe a laxative. Pain relievers and fluids are also common in founder treatment regimens. Have your horse's shoes removed and, if possible, soak the hooves in warm water to improve circulation. Let your horse lie down if he wants to and stable him on soft shavings or sand. If there is an abscess, your veterinarian will drain it and administer antibiotics. Follow your veterinarian's and farrier's recommendations for follow-up care.

    Prevention

    • Diet is the most important part of founder management. Keep your horse's weight under control and don't allow unlimited grazing on lush pasture. If necessary, use a grazing muzzle. Pasture grass is more likely to cause founder in the early morning, so the first feeding of the day should be hay rather than pasture. Turn horses out later in the day, after the dew is off the grass. Secure your grain stores in a tightly locked bin---unlimited access to grain can cause colic as well as founder.

    Recovery

    • Your horse will need stall rest until the condition subsides. Keep your horse in a roomy stall with soft bedding. Try to keep her stress levels low. As she begins to stand and walk, give her light exercise if recommended. Monitor her diet and feeding routine and keep to a consistent schedule. Provide fresh, clean water at all times and administer pain medications as recommended by your veterinarian. Your farrier may suggest corrective shoes to support and strengthen the hoof.

    Prognosis

    • Some horses may need to stay off pasture permanently. Speak to an experienced farrier about the best trimming and shoeing options for a founder-prone horse. Avoid working your horse on hard surfaces and provide a cushioned stall surface. With the right diet, weight control and proper hoof care, your horse's laminitis is manageable. Some horses do not fully recover from founder and may need to retire from active riding.