This study aimed to analyze the clinical and radiographic profile of Criollo horses affected by chronic laminitis brought to the Equine Clinic between 2010 and 2011. Medical records, daily clinical evaluations and radiographic studies were analyzed. Data of nine horses, 55.6% (5/9) females and 44.4% (4/9) intact males with a mean age 8.6±5.9 years and 104.2±91.7 days of hospitalization were included. Laminitis occurred on all four limbs on 22.2% (2/9), while 77.8% (7/9) occurred only on the forelimbs. One out of nine cases laminites was due to endotoxemia (11.1%), 44.4% (4/9) was related to equine metabolic syndrome and on 44.4% (4/9) the cause could not be determined. Sinking of third phalanx ≥20mm identified on radiographic studies occurred on 66.7% (6/9) horses. Only 11.1% (1/9) of the animals presented unilateral sinking of the third phalanx. Sinking of the third phalanx was not correlated with the degree of lameness. Rotation of the distal phalanx (≥5.5°) on at least one member was observed in 66.7% (6/9). There was a positive correlation of the third phalanx rotation degree and the lameness degree (0.1≤r<0.5; P<0.05). Two patients (22.2%) required tenotomy of the deep digital flexor tendon. Insulin resistance was the predisposing cause laminitis most common in this study. Supportive therapy, intensive nursing care, corrective trimming and shoeing provided a high survival rate after discharge so that the animals could be kept comfortable without pain medication.
chronic laminitis; horses; rotation; sinking; equine metabolic syndrome
