Understanding, diagnosing and managing endocrinopathic laminitis

Abstract

Endocrinopathic laminitis (or hyperinsulinaemia-associated laminitis) is the most common type of laminitis encountered in equine practice. Strict attention to risk factors and early recognition and diagnosis of insulin dysregulation – as part of equine metabolic syndrome or pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction – greatly decreases the risk of hyperinsulinaemia-associated laminitis. Early treatment and a committed client, veterinary and farriery team is critical to improve the prognosis. Treatment of hyperinsulinaemia-associated laminitis should encompass a three-pronged approach: treat the underlying cause (insulin dysregulation associated with equine metabolic syndrome or pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction); give anti-inflammatories and analgesics; biomechanically support the foot. The field of equine endocrinopathic disease is very active, so it is important to stay up to date on potential diagnostics and therapeutics.