Wall Ablation for Severe Laminitis

“It’s only a sinker when the hoof is on it–the hoof on a sinker can shut you down and kill the horse,” said Redden in his presentation “Treating High-Scale Laminitis With Wall Ablation and Transcortical Cast.” Redden is known for his aggressive, groundbreaking treatment of severe foot problems, and this presentation certainly was in character.
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"Laminitis remains one of the deadliest syndromes facing your athlete, companion, or brood stock," saids Ric Redden, DVM, host of the 16th annual Bluegrass Laminitis Symposium and founder of the International Equine Podiatry Center in Versailles, Ky. "When not fatal it can be a crippling disease; fortunately, progress in the field of podiatry is changing the fate of horses with this feared and often misunderstood syndrome."

"Laminitis is inflammation of the laminae; the integrity and direction of the inflammation results in a large range of damage," he continues. "Significant loss of the intricate attachment of laminae, bone, and hoof wall precipitates displacement of the coffin bone, which occurs in three planes–rotation around the axis of the coffin joint, swelling of the laminae that pushes the bone away from the wall toward the heel, and vertical displacement best described as sinking. Rotation is most commonly found and ranges from very minimal to penetration of the sole by the toe of the coffin bone. These cases are quite easy to predict and mange regardless of the degree of rotation. Mild to moderate swelling often is successfully managed and doesn't necessarily have to reach crippling levels. Severe swelling though, 6-10 millimeters, often tips the scale and sends the bone in a vertical plunge, many times within hours of onset. This classic high-scale sinker virtually loses the vital blood supply due to the tourniquet effect of the hoof capsule."

"It's only a sinker when the hoof is on it–the hoof on a sinker can shut you down and kill the horse," said Redden in his presentation "Treating High-Scale Laminitis With Wall Ablation and Transcortical Cast." Redden is known for his aggressive, groundbreaking treatment of severe foot problems, and this presentation certainly was in character. "Take (the wall) off, but first make sure the venogram shows you it's a good candidate."

While this approach seems too severe for some on first glance, Redden has had success with it in several high-scale cases. He detailed his approach in identifying candidates for hoof wall ablation (partial or complete removal), the procedure, and what can be expected in the aftermath

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Written by:

Christy West has a BS in Equine Science from the University of Kentucky, and an MS in Agricultural Journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

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