LAMENITIS OR FOUNDER ARE THEY THE SAME????

Lamenitis and founder are often explained as being the same condition, although, one can lead to the other, they are in fact two different conditions.  Lamenitis is the "inflammation" of the laminae, which is the connective tissue between the hoof wall and the coffin bone inside the hoof capsule.  When a horse has lamenitis, it does not necessarily mean that it has founder.  When inflammation is present in the laminae, it is when there is separation within the tissues and the tissues actually die, resulting in what we know as "founder"'  When a horse is afflicted with founder the affected tissues in normal function act as supportive mechanisms and keep the coffin bone in place.  Without the supportive connective tissue, the coffin bone "sinks" or also known as "rotates" creating the ailment of founder.  The rotation is downward and toward the sole of the hoof, and how much and how severe the condition is can only be detected through radiography.  Many of the same factors contribute to the possibility of both conditions.  It is easier to prevent these conditions than it is to treat.  Some very important facts to always keep in mind, over weight horses are more prone, riding in hard surfaces for long periods of time, over consumption of grain or lush grass, retention of placenta in mares, colic, and improperly cooling out a hot horse. Do not allow a horse that is hot to consume more than 8 swallows of water at a time, walk for some time then return to the water for another 8 swallows, and continue until horse is cooled out.  Prevention is key, it is your responsibility to educate yourself to maintain your horse's best health.