In this issue, you’ll find (if you haven’t already) a feature article on managing the chronically laminitic horse to regain maximum soundness and comfort (see page 79). Laminitis is a devastating problem that crosses the lines between breeds and disciplines, striking wherever we are unwary.

Wait–am I saying that we can prevent laminitis if we just pay more attention?

For the most part–yes.

To be sure, we don’t yet know everything about laminitis. We don’t know exactly why it occurs, why some horses have more acute attacks than others, or why some severe cases bounce back while seemingly lesser cases go downhill until euthanasia is the only humane option