09/02/2026
🎃 The scent of pumpkin spice is in the air … a sure sign that autumn is on its way, along with the super-fun risk of seasonal laminitis due to temperature changes!
Laminitis is inflammation and damage to tissue in equine feet, specifically the tissue between the hoof wall and the coffin bone, which is a triangular-shaped bone at the front of each hoof. The coffin bone is attached to the wall with finger-like lamellae. When the damage becomes severe enough, the lamellae weaken. The coffin bone can then detach from the hoof wall and rotate downward, so its tip presses into the sole. Laminitis can cause soreness, difficulty walking or standing, and can also be associated with systemic diseases like Equine Metabolic Syndrome and Cushing’s Disease (Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction, or PPID). You can see over Dr. Quinn’s shoulder in this photo as she uses X-ray to determine if laminitis is an issue in one of her patients!
🍁 Fall laminitis has a couple of key risk factors: Fluctuating temperatures and less daylight can stress pasture grass growth, resulting in increased sugars. Too much simple sugar in your horse’s diet can increase the possibility for laminitis. Plus, according to AAEP, horses naturally have increased levels of certain hormones this time of year. That means those with PPID can have higher cortisol levels and thus are in jeopardy of developing laminitis.
If you’ve got questions about your equines’ fall foot health — and associated diet questions — don’t hesitate to reach out for a telemedicine consultation or farm visit with Dr. Quinn or Dr. Anders!
Custom Livestock Solutions is Georgia’s proven source for premiere herd health and management services. Our vets serve large animal herds, show barns and stables in the 🍑 Peach State and nearby neighbors in South Carolina. Visit us in Comer Monday through Friday from 9 to 5, or call 706-783-8128 to learn more.
