Laminite equina: Abordagem multidisciplinar na medicina veterinária

Abstract

Horses play a prominent role in the Brazilian economy and culture, being widely used in sports, work, and leisure activities. Equine laminitis, also known as diffuse aseptic pododermatitis or founder, is recognized as one of the most severe and prevalent disorders in equine clinical practice. It is characterized by inflammation and disruption of the structures of the suspensory apparatus of the distal phalanx, resulting in severe pain, lameness, and functional impairment of the locomotor system. The objective of this study was to conduct a literature review on equine laminitis, addressing its clinical importance, etiology, classification, clinical signs, diagnosis, and available treatments, as well as the subsequent development of a technical educational material in the form of an informational booklet. The etiology of the disease is multifactorial, encompassing nutritional, inflammatory/systemic, endocrine, and mechanical causes, whose pathophysiological mechanisms frequently converge. Diagnosis is based on the integration of anamnesis, clinical examination, and complementary imaging techniques, such as radiography, venography, and infrared thermography. Treatment requires an integrated and multidisciplinary approach, including pain control with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, digital cryotherapy, corrective hoof trimming, therapeutic shoeing, and, when indicated, deep digital flexor tendon tenotomy. Prevention is based on strict nutritional management, periodic metabolic monitoring, hoof conformation assessment, and regular preventive farriery. It is concluded that early diagnosis and individualized therapeutic management are decisive factors for prognosis and for maintaining the health and welfare of horses.