Laminitis–a disease that strikes fear into the hearts of horse people everywhere–was the primary focus of the Second International Equine Conference on Laminitis and Diseases of the Foot, held Nov. 10-11 in West Palm Beach, Fla. This conference is held every other year and sponsored in large part by John K. and Marianne Castle, whose Appaloosa Spot had chronic  laminitis secondary to Equine Cushing’s Disease (ECH) and died from colic several years ago. There also are several other private and corporate sponsors.

Teamwork between veterinarians, farriers, researchers, and horse owners to solve the mysteries of laminitis was the main theme of the opening remarks by course director James A. Orsini, DVM, Dipl. ACVS, associate professor of surgery at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center in Kennett Square, Penn.

For example, he said, “The more researchers understand about the work of the veterinarian and farrier, the more researchers can develop research that these professionals can use.”

He also discussed the importance of proper supportive care, noting, “As much as we advance in science and technology, we can never afford to ignore the value of compassionate care to maximize the horse’s quality of life. When we work with our hearts along with our expanded knowledge, we provide better care