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An update on equine laminitis

Atualização sobre laminite equina

ABSTRACT:

Laminitis is a severe podal affection, which pathophysiology remains partially renowned. Ischemic, enzymatic, metabolic and inflammatory mechanisms are connected to the development of laminar lesions. However, few therapeutic measures are effective to prevent or control the severity of acute laminitis and its prodromal stage, which often determines serious complications such as rotation and/or sinking of the distal phalanx and even the loss of hoof. The purpose of this study is to compile the actual knowledge in respect to the pathophysiology and treatment of equine laminitis.

Key words:
horse; pathophysiology; treatment; podal disease

RESUMO:

A laminite é uma grave afecção podal, que permanece com fisiopatogenia parcialmente conhecida. Sabe-se que mecanismos isquêmicos, enzimáticos, metabólicos e inflamatórios estão envolvidos no desenvolvimento das lesões laminares. No entanto, poucas medidas terapêuticas são eficazes para prevenir ou controlar a gravidade da laminite nas fases prodrômica e aguda, o que frequentemente determina sérias complicações como rotação ou afundamento da falange distal e até mesmo perda do estojo córneo. O objetivo deste trabalho é compilar os mais atuais conhecimentos sobre a fisiopatologia e tratamento da laminite em equinos.

Palavras-chave:
equino; fisiopatogenia; tratamento; doença podal

INTRODUCTION:

Laminitis is a severe condition observed commonly in equine, generating intense painful discomfort and hoof alterations, often compromising the return to physical activities and reproduction. Treatment failure is responsible for euthanasia of numerous cases of horses with laminitis.

Effective therapies for different stages of laminitis are scarce, due to lack of knowledge of the exact mechanism of development of the disease. For many years the disease has been associated with the ischemia tissue, nevertheless, recent studies have indicated different mechanisms. Thus, this review focuses on the updated knowledge regarding laminitis based on the latest research findings, mainly the pathogenesis of the disease.

Experimental models of laminitis induction

The study of inflammatory laminitis, in association with systemic diseases, is being performed by cornstarch induction, black walnut extract and oligofructose administration (WEISS et al., 1997WEISS, D.J. et al. Evaluation of platelet activation and platelet-neutrophil aggregates in ponies with alimentary laminitis. American Journal of Veterinary Research, v.58, n.12, p.1376-1380, 1997. Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9401684 >. Accessed: Nov. 17, 2014.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/94016...
; FAGLIARI et al., 1998FAGLIARI, J.J. et al. Changes in plasma protein concentrations in ponies with experimentally induced alimentary laminitis. American Journal of Veterinary Research, v.59, n.10, p.1234-1237, 1998. Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9781453 >. Accessed: Nov. 17, 2014.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/97814...
; FALEIROS et al., 2009aFALEIROS, R.R. et al. Calprotectin in myeloid and epithelial cells of laminae from horses with black walnut extract-induced laminitis. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, v.23, n.1, p.174-181, 2009a. Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19175737 >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014. doi: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2008.0241.x.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19175...
; LIMA et al., 2013LIMA, L.R. et al. Clinical and hematologic equine laminitis subjected to a model oligofructose, treated or not with a receptor antagonist agent CXCR1/2. Brazilian Veterinarian Research, v.33, n.8, p.992-998, 2013. Available from: <Available from: http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0100736X2013000800008 >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014. doi: 10.1590/S0100-736X2013000800008.
http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=s...
). The disease can also be induced in healthy horses via insulin administration (DE LAAT et al., 2010DE LAAT, M.A. et al. Equine laminitis: induced by 48 h hyperinsulinemia in Standard bred horses. Equine Veterinary Journal, v.42, p.129-135, 2010. Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20156248 >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014. doi: 10.2746/042516409X475779.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20156...
), in an experimental model related to secondary laminitis to endocrine changes. BELKNAP et al. (2011BELKNAP, J.K. et al. The laminar leukocyte: from sepsis to endochrinopathy models of laminitis. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, v.31, p.562-609, 2011.Available from: <Available from: http://www.j-evs.com/article/S0737-0806(11)00547-8/pdf >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014. doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2011.09.034.
http://www.j-evs.com/article/S0737-0806(...
) induced endochrinopathy laminitis into ponies by a diet rich in carbohydrates for seven days.

Furthermore, other studies have shown that experimental models of gastrointestinal obstruction/ischemia can also promote lesions in the laminar tissue (RIO TINTO et al., 2004RIO TINTO, J.J.M. et. al. Use of hydrocortisone in horses subjected to ischemia and reperfusion in the jejunum and its consequences under the laminar corium., Brazilian Journal of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science v.56, n.3, p.292-299, 2004.Available from: <Available from: http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0102-09352004000300002 >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014.doi: 10.1590/S0102-09352004000300002.
http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=s...
; LASKOSKI et al., 2010LASKOSKI, L.M. et al. Morphological abnormalities and apoptosis in lamellar tissue of equines after intestinal obstruction and treatment with hydrocortisone. Brazilian Journal of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, v.62, n.6, p.1331-1339, 2010.Available from: <Available from: http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0102-09352010000600006 >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014. doi: 10.1590/S0102-09352010000600006.
http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=s...
), which is supported by severe changes in laminar tissue reported in horses with natural colic syndrome not yet evidencing clinical signs of foot disease (LASKOSKI et al., 2009LASKOSKI, L.M. et al. Morphologic alterations of the hoof lamellar tissue, and clinic and laboratorial analyses of horses with lethal colic syndrome. Brazilian Journal of Veterinary Research, v.29, n.9, p.731-735, 2009. Available from: <Available from: http://www.scielo.br/pdf/pvb/v29n9/a09v29n9.pdf >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014.doi: 10.1590/S0100-736X2009000900009.
http://www.scielo.br/pdf/pvb/v29n9/a09v2...
).

Morphological changes of laminar tissue can be even observed in the prodromal phase of laminitis (POLLITT, 1996POLLITT, C.C. Basement membrane pathology: a feature of acute equine laminitis., Equine Veterinary Journal v.28, n.1, p.38-46, 1996. Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8565952 >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014. doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1996.tb01588.x.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/85659...
; LASKOSKI et al., 2009LASKOSKI, L.M. et al. Morphologic alterations of the hoof lamellar tissue, and clinic and laboratorial analyses of horses with lethal colic syndrome. Brazilian Journal of Veterinary Research, v.29, n.9, p.731-735, 2009. Available from: <Available from: http://www.scielo.br/pdf/pvb/v29n9/a09v29n9.pdf >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014.doi: 10.1590/S0100-736X2009000900009.
http://www.scielo.br/pdf/pvb/v29n9/a09v2...
). The main feature is the evidence of modifications involving the interdigitations between dermal and epidermal tissues of the hoof laminar tissue, which are joined by the basal membrane. These structures are responsible by the union of the distal phalanx to the hoof wall (POLLITT, 1996POLLITT, C.C. Basement membrane pathology: a feature of acute equine laminitis., Equine Veterinary Journal v.28, n.1, p.38-46, 1996. Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8565952 >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014. doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1996.tb01588.x.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/85659...
). Classification of severity changes in laminar tissue is surrounded by alterations in the nuclei of basal cells, shape of the secondary epidermal laminar and the outline of the basal membrane. The most severe cases of laminar injury includes total destruction of the interdigitations, with consequent weakness of the tissue, which turns not to be able to maintain the adherence of the distal phalanx to the hoof wall (POLLITT, 1996POLLITT, C.C. Basement membrane pathology: a feature of acute equine laminitis., Equine Veterinary Journal v.28, n.1, p.38-46, 1996. Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8565952 >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014. doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1996.tb01588.x.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/85659...
; LASKOSKI et al., 2010LASKOSKI, L.M. et al. Morphological abnormalities and apoptosis in lamellar tissue of equines after intestinal obstruction and treatment with hydrocortisone. Brazilian Journal of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, v.62, n.6, p.1331-1339, 2010.Available from: <Available from: http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0102-09352010000600006 >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014. doi: 10.1590/S0102-09352010000600006.
http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=s...
). Laminitis secondary to metabolic abnormalities differs in respect to histopathology of laminar tissue of the hoof, appearing subtle injury of the laminar structures (KARIKOSKI et al., 2014KARIKOSKI, N.P. et al. Morphological and cellular changes in secondary epidermal of laminae horses with insulin-induced laminitis., American Journal of Veterinary Research v.75, n.2, p.161-168, 2014. Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24471752 >. Accessed: Nov. 17, 2014. doi: 10.2460/ajvr.75.2.161.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24471...
), and being detected even without clinical signs of disease in horses with PPID - Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (LASKOSKI et al., 2015LASKOSKI, L.M. et al. Histopathological hoof laminar changes in horses with Pituitary pars intermedia adenoma: cases report. Brazilian Journal of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, 2015. In press.).

Clinical Signs

The clinical signs of laminitis more frequently observed are intense podal discomfort, lameness and difficulty in stay in the quadrupedal position, with changes in corneal apparatus of the hoof. On the other hand, the signals may vary according with the stage where the disease is located. The prodromal phase includes the development of lesions in laminar tissue of the hoof, displaying subtle clinical signs, such as increased digital pulse and changes associated with sepsis as congested mucous membranes, tachycardia, increased capillary refill time, anorexia, hyperthermia and intestinal motility reduction (POLLITT, 1999POLLITT, C.C. Equine laminitis: a revised pathophysiology. American Association of Equine Practitioners Proceedings, v.45, p.188-192, 1999.Available from: <Available from: http://www.laminitisresearch.org/downloads/chrispollitt_equinelaminitis_revised_pathophysiology.pdf >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014.
http://www.laminitisresearch.org/downloa...
; PARSONS et al., 2007PARSONS, C.S. et al. Risk factors for development of acute laminitis in horses during hospitalization: 73 cases (1997-2004). Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association, v.230, n.6, p.885-889, 2007. Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17362165 >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014.doi: 10.2460/javma.230.6.885.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17362...
).

When a painful laminitis occurs in the acute phase, the intensity can be assessed by grades of OBEL. At this stage it may occurs stabilization without rotation or sinking of the distal phalanx, and the condition enters into the sub-acute phase, until full tissue repair. However, there may be progression to the chronical phase, mainly if the appropriate therapeutic measures are not carried out in time (HOOD, 1999HOOD, D.M. The pathophysiology of developmental and acute laminitis., Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice v.15, p.325-343, 1999. Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10472115 >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10472...
).

Radiographic modifications showing rotation or sinking of the distal phalanx may supplement the diagnosis of chronical phase of laminitis (MORRISON, 2010MORRISON, S. Chronic laminitis foot management., Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice v.26, n.2, p.425-446, 2010. Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20699185 >. Accessed: Sept. 03, 2014. doi: 10.1016/j.cveq.2010.06.003.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20699...
). Severity of radiographic changes is commonly associated with pain intensity displayed by the animal, in exception mainly to cases of endochrinopathy laminitis, in which clinical evidence may usually appear in a milder way (JOHNSON, 2002aJOHNSON, P.J. et al. Glucocorticoids and laminitis in the horse. Veterinary Clinics of North American: Equine Practice, v.18, n.2, p.219-236, 2002a. Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15635906 >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014. doi: 10.1016/S0749-0739(02)00015-9.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15635...
). In addition it is valuable to note signs of hoof deformation, perforation of the sole, rings formation in the wall of the hoof, stretching of the gripper bead and groove formation in the coronary bald, and it can occur loss of corneal apparatus (HOOD, 1999HOOD, D.M. The pathophysiology of developmental and acute laminitis., Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice v.15, p.325-343, 1999. Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10472115 >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10472...
; MORRISON, 2010MORRISON, S. Chronic laminitis foot management., Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice v.26, n.2, p.425-446, 2010. Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20699185 >. Accessed: Sept. 03, 2014. doi: 10.1016/j.cveq.2010.06.003.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20699...
).

Laminitis pathogenesis

Laminitis occurs by loss of integrity of the laminar tissue. The rotation and/or sinking of the distal phalanx may occur, secondarily, as a result of the weight down force of the animal and the pull exerted by the deep digital flexor tendon (POLLITT, 1996POLLITT, C.C. Basement membrane pathology: a feature of acute equine laminitis., Equine Veterinary Journal v.28, n.1, p.38-46, 1996. Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8565952 >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014. doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1996.tb01588.x.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/85659...
). Equine with severe trauma in hind or fore limbs, such as fractures that preclude the support of weight on this member, often develop laminitis in the contralateral limb, possibly by reduction of the perfusion of the laminar tissue of the hoof caused by excessive weight (BAXTER & MORRISON, 2008BAXTER, G.M.; MORRISON, S. Complications of unilateral weight bearing., Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice v.24, n.3, p.621-642, 2008.Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19203705 >. Accessed: Nov. 17, 2014. doi: 10.1016/j.cveq.2008.10.006.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19203...
). In fact, only few studies are performed on laminitis in this case.

Experimental results have indicated a correlation of various mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of the disease, resulting in loss of interdigitations, weakening of the laminar tissue hoof and rotation or sinking of the distal phalanx (POLLITT, 1996POLLITT, C.C. Basement membrane pathology: a feature of acute equine laminitis., Equine Veterinary Journal v.28, n.1, p.38-46, 1996. Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8565952 >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014. doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1996.tb01588.x.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/85659...
; RIO TINTO et al., 2004RIO TINTO, J.J.M. et. al. Use of hydrocortisone in horses subjected to ischemia and reperfusion in the jejunum and its consequences under the laminar corium., Brazilian Journal of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science v.56, n.3, p.292-299, 2004.Available from: <Available from: http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0102-09352004000300002 >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014.doi: 10.1590/S0102-09352004000300002.
http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=s...
; LASKOSKI et al., 2009LASKOSKI, L.M. et al. Morphologic alterations of the hoof lamellar tissue, and clinic and laboratorial analyses of horses with lethal colic syndrome. Brazilian Journal of Veterinary Research, v.29, n.9, p.731-735, 2009. Available from: <Available from: http://www.scielo.br/pdf/pvb/v29n9/a09v29n9.pdf >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014.doi: 10.1590/S0100-736X2009000900009.
http://www.scielo.br/pdf/pvb/v29n9/a09v2...
; KARIKOSKI et al., 2014KARIKOSKI, N.P. et al. Morphological and cellular changes in secondary epidermal of laminae horses with insulin-induced laminitis., American Journal of Veterinary Research v.75, n.2, p.161-168, 2014. Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24471752 >. Accessed: Nov. 17, 2014. doi: 10.2460/ajvr.75.2.161.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24471...
). The main appointed mechanisms are ischemic, enzymatic, endocrine (metabolic) and inflammatory injuries.

Ischemic mechanisms

Ischemia as a cause of laminitis gave rise to the vascular theory, which enlightens the laminar tissue lesions to be initially caused by vasoconstriction digital and/or openings of arteriovenous shunts in laminar tissue, triggering blood stasis and, consequently, tissue edema and necrosis (PERONI et al., 2005PERONI, J.F. et al. Black walnut extract-induced laminitis in horses is associated with heterogeneous dysfunction of the laminar microvasculature., Equine Veterinary Journal v.37, n.6, p.546-551, 2005. Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16295933 >.Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014. doi: 10.2746/042516405775314781.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16295...
; NOSCHKA et al., 2009NOSCHKA, E. et al. Thromboxane and isoprostanes as inflammatory and vasoactive mediators in black walnut heartwood extract induced equine laminitis., Veterinary Immunology and Immunophatology v.129, n.3-4, p.200-210, 2009.Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19111354 >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014. doi: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2008.11.005. Epub 2008 Nov 7.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19111...
). Evidence of systemic inflammatory indicates that inflammatory mediators such as cytokines may cause digital vasoconstriction (NOSCHKA et al., 2009NOSCHKA, E. et al. Thromboxane and isoprostanes as inflammatory and vasoactive mediators in black walnut heartwood extract induced equine laminitis., Veterinary Immunology and Immunophatology v.129, n.3-4, p.200-210, 2009.Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19111354 >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014. doi: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2008.11.005. Epub 2008 Nov 7.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19111...
).

In addition, thrombogenic events, such as aggregation and platelet adhesion to the endothelium integrity, commonly in cases of acute abdomen conditions, may result in reduction or lack of blood flow to the laminar tissue of the hoof. MARTINS FILHO (2008MARTINS FILHO, L.P. et al. Influence of heparin in occurrence of equine laminitis induced carbohydrate overload., Brazilian Journal of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science v.60, n.6, p.1358-1366, 2008. Available from: <Available from: http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?pid=S0102-09352008000600009&script=sci_arttext >.Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014. doi: 10.1590/S0102-09352008000600009.
http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?pid=S010...
) and WEISS (1994WEISS, D.J. et al. Microvascular thrombosis associated with onset of acute laminitis in ponies., American Journal of Veterinary Research v.55, n.5, p.606-612, 1994.Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8067606 >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/80676...
) have observed the presence of micro thrombi in laminar vessels, however these findings are not appointed by most histopathological studies.

Experimental results demonstrate the absence of xanthine oxidase, an enzyme released during tissue ischemia (LOFTUS et al., 2007LOFTUS, J.P. et al.Early laminar events involving endothelial activation in horses with black walnut-induced laminitis. American Journal of Veterinary Research v.68, n.11, p.1205-1211, 2007. Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17975975 >.Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014. doi: 10.2460/ajvr.68.11.1205.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17975...
), challenging vasoconstriction as the primary event in the development of laminitis. There are studies demonstrating that sub-laminar vasodilation occurs early in the development of the disease, which is associated to the temperature increase and blood flow in laminar tissue (POLLITT& DAVIES, 1998POLLITT, C.C; DAVIES, C.T. Equine laminitis: its development coincides with increased sublaminar blood flow., Equine Veterinary Journal suppl.26, p.125-132, 1998. Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9932103 >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/99321...
) proven by scintigraph (TROUT et al., 1990TROUT, D.R et al. Scintigraphic evaluation of digital circulation during the developmental and acute phases of equine laminitis., Equine Veterinary Journal v.22, n.6, p.416-421, 1990. Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2269265 >. Accessed: Dec. 02, 2014.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22692...
), suggesting that increase of irrigation in laminar tissue might contribute to the failure of interdigitations. The study of VAN EPS & POLLITT (2004VAN EPS, A.W.; POLLITT, C.C. Equine laminitis: cryotherapy reduces the severity of the acute lesion., Equine Veterinary Journal v.36, n.3, p.255-260, 2004. Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15147134 >.Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014.doi: 10.2746/0425164044877107.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15147...
) demonstrated that cryotherapy prevents injury of the laminar tissue after laminitis induced experimentally. However, it is known that reduced blood flow detected by venography, occur in chronical laminitis phase (BALDWIN & POLLITT, 2010BALDWIN, G.I.; POLLITT, C.C. Progression of venographic changes after experimentally induced laminitis. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice, v.26, n.1, p.135-140, 2010.Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20381742 >. Accessed: Dec. 02, 2014. doi: 1.1016/j.cveq.2009.12.005.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20381...
).

Enzyme mechanisms

The laminitis could occur by the degradation of basal membrane components such as collagen, for enzymes activated in the hoof or arising from bloodstream (POLLITT, 1996POLLITT, C.C. Basement membrane pathology: a feature of acute equine laminitis., Equine Veterinary Journal v.28, n.1, p.38-46, 1996. Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8565952 >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014. doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1996.tb01588.x.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/85659...
). The enzymes initially implicated in this process were matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) 2 and 9 (POLLITT, 1996POLLITT, C.C. Basement membrane pathology: a feature of acute equine laminitis., Equine Veterinary Journal v.28, n.1, p.38-46, 1996. Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8565952 >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014. doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1996.tb01588.x.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/85659...
; 1999POLLITT, C.C. Equine laminitis: a revised pathophysiology. American Association of Equine Practitioners Proceedings, v.45, p.188-192, 1999.Available from: <Available from: http://www.laminitisresearch.org/downloads/chrispollitt_equinelaminitis_revised_pathophysiology.pdf >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014.
http://www.laminitisresearch.org/downloa...
). The activation of these enzymes it is still little known, suggesting the involvement of bacterial toxins absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, and inflammatory cytokines triggered by systemic inflammatory response, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α). Among the bacterial toxins that activate MMPs, exotoxins of Streptococcus species, particularly Streptococcus bovis assume great importance (POLLITT, 1999POLLITT, C.C. Equine laminitis: a revised pathophysiology. American Association of Equine Practitioners Proceedings, v.45, p.188-192, 1999.Available from: <Available from: http://www.laminitisresearch.org/downloads/chrispollitt_equinelaminitis_revised_pathophysiology.pdf >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014.
http://www.laminitisresearch.org/downloa...
). Nonetheless, the increase of the substance may occur as a result of the morphological alteration of the laminar tissue, and not to be the cause of the disease (LASKOSKI et al., 2013LASKOSKI, L.M. et al. Expression of matrix metalloproteases-2 and -9 in horse hoof laminae after intestinal obstruction, with or without hydrocortisone treatment. Ciência Rural, v.43, n.1, p.66-72, 2013. Available from: <Available from: http://www.scielo.br/pdf/cr/v43n1/a2613cr6720.pdf >.Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014. doi: 10.1590/S0103-84782013000100012.
http://www.scielo.br/pdf/cr/v43n1/a2613c...
).

Endocrine and metabolic mechanisms

Horses affected by Cushing's syndrome, obese animals or the ones receiving high and prolonged concentrations of glucocorticoids (RYU et al., 2004RYU, S. et al. Glucocorticoide-induced laminitis with hepatopathy in a thoroughbred filly. Journal of Veterinary Science, v.5, n.3, p.271-274, 2004. Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15365245 >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014. doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2007.07.003.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15365...
, DE LAAT et al., 2010DE LAAT, M.A. et al. Equine laminitis: induced by 48 h hyperinsulinemia in Standard bred horses. Equine Veterinary Journal, v.42, p.129-135, 2010. Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20156248 >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014. doi: 10.2746/042516409X475779.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20156...
) show endocrine disorders, such as hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance (DE LAAT et al., 2010DE LAAT, M.A. et al. Equine laminitis: induced by 48 h hyperinsulinemia in Standard bred horses. Equine Veterinary Journal, v.42, p.129-135, 2010. Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20156248 >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014. doi: 10.2746/042516409X475779.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20156...
). The endochrinopathy laminitis is evidenced by milder clinical signs in comparison with laminitis secondary to inflammatory diseases, and in some animals it may occur rotation of the distal phalanx with hoof structural changes, with less intense painful discomfort which can be inconspicuous or absent (JOHNSON, 2002aJOHNSON, P.J. et al. Glucocorticoids and laminitis in the horse. Veterinary Clinics of North American: Equine Practice, v.18, n.2, p.219-236, 2002a. Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15635906 >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014. doi: 10.1016/S0749-0739(02)00015-9.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15635...
).

Equine Cushing's syndrome commonly occur in animals with above 15 years of age and is evidenced by clinical signs of pelage increase, adipose tissue accumulation (especially in the orbital cavity), polyuria and polydipsia, and laminitis (JOHNSON et al., 2002bJOHNSON, P.J. The equine metabolic syndrome peripheral Cushing's syndrome., Veterinary Clinics of North American: Equine Practice v.18, n.2, p.271-293, 2002b.Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15635908 >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014. doi: 10.1016/S0749-0739(02)00006-8.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15635...
). The disease is best denominated for the PPID - Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction, since it occurs due to oxidative damage of the dopaminergic neurons, which fails to inhibit production of the melanocortins by pituitary pars intermedia, and the hypertrophy occur due to high production (MCFARLANE et al., 2005McFARLANE, D. et al. Nitration and increased alpha-synuclein expression associated with dopaminergic neurodegeneration in equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction. Journal of Neuroendocrinology, v.17, p.73-80, 2005. Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15796757 >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2826.2005.01277.x.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15796...
).

Researches indicated a positive correlation between obesity and radiographic measurements for laminitis in Creole and Mangalarga breeds (PAZ et al., 2013PAZ, C.F.R. et al. Connection between obesity, plasma insulin and placement of the distal phalanx in horses of Creole race., Brazilian Journal of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science v.65, p.1699-1705, 2013.Available from: <Available from: http://www.scielo.br/pdf/abmvz/v65n6/17.pdf >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014. doi: 10.1590/S0102-09352013000600017.
http://www.scielo.br/pdf/abmvz/v65n6/17....
; MAGALHÃES et al., 2014MAGALHÃES, J.F. et al. Correlation of radiographic measurements indicator of laminitis in Mangalarga Marchador mares with and without overweight signals., Brazilian Journal of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science v.66, p.1123-1132, 2014.Available from: <Available from: http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0102-09352014000300672 >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014. doi: 10.1590/1678-41626006.
http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=s...
). These results indicate that obesity triggers the weakening of the connection between the hoof and the distal phalanx with progressive separation of these structures. Regarding ponies, the overweight ones are the most affected animals (BELKNAP et al., 2011BELKNAP, J.K. et al. The laminar leukocyte: from sepsis to endochrinopathy models of laminitis. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, v.31, p.562-609, 2011.Available from: <Available from: http://www.j-evs.com/article/S0737-0806(11)00547-8/pdf >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014. doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2011.09.034.
http://www.j-evs.com/article/S0737-0806(...
).

The ratio between laminitis and endocrine modifications was best observed after induction of laminitis by continuous insulin infusion in normal ponies (DE LAAT et al., 2010DE LAAT, M.A. et al. Equine laminitis: induced by 48 h hyperinsulinemia in Standard bred horses. Equine Veterinary Journal, v.42, p.129-135, 2010. Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20156248 >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014. doi: 10.2746/042516409X475779.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20156...
). BELKNAP et al. (2011BELKNAP, J.K. et al. The laminar leukocyte: from sepsis to endochrinopathy models of laminitis. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, v.31, p.562-609, 2011.Available from: <Available from: http://www.j-evs.com/article/S0737-0806(11)00547-8/pdf >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014. doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2011.09.034.
http://www.j-evs.com/article/S0737-0806(...
) demonstrated that developed laminitis in equine fed with high-carbohydrate diet is not connected to inflammatory events such as induction of other models. Thus, other causes of injury may be related to the metabolic laminitis.

Inflammatory mechanisms

The development phase of laminitis presents various inflammatory events such as elevated acute phase protein concentrations (FAGLIARI et al., 1998FAGLIARI, J.J. et al. Changes in plasma protein concentrations in ponies with experimentally induced alimentary laminitis. American Journal of Veterinary Research, v.59, n.10, p.1234-1237, 1998. Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9781453 >. Accessed: Nov. 17, 2014.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/97814...
), inflammatory cytokines (LOFTUS et al., 2007LOFTUS, J.P. et al.Early laminar events involving endothelial activation in horses with black walnut-induced laminitis. American Journal of Veterinary Research v.68, n.11, p.1205-1211, 2007. Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17975975 >.Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014. doi: 10.2460/ajvr.68.11.1205.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17975...
), reactive oxygen species (HUURLEY et al., 2006) as well as leukocyte infiltration into tissue (HURLEY et al., 2006HURLEY, D.J. et al. Dynamic changes in circulating leukocytes during the induction of equine laminitis with black walnut extract. Veterinary Immunology and Immunophatology, v.110, n.3-4, p.195-206, 2006.Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16290066 >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014. doi: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2005.09.015.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16290...
; FALEIROS et al., 2009aFALEIROS, R.R. et al. Calprotectin in myeloid and epithelial cells of laminae from horses with black walnut extract-induced laminitis. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, v.23, n.1, p.174-181, 2009a. Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19175737 >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014. doi: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2008.0241.x.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19175...
, LASKOSKI et al., 2013LASKOSKI, L.M. et al. Expression of matrix metalloproteases-2 and -9 in horse hoof laminae after intestinal obstruction, with or without hydrocortisone treatment. Ciência Rural, v.43, n.1, p.66-72, 2013. Available from: <Available from: http://www.scielo.br/pdf/cr/v43n1/a2613cr6720.pdf >.Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014. doi: 10.1590/S0103-84782013000100012.
http://www.scielo.br/pdf/cr/v43n1/a2613c...
). Systemic inflammatory activation may be from infectious origin such as exposure to pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), or even, due to extensive tissue damage associated with endogenous release of the damage associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Endotoxin, one of the most common PAMPs was detected in the blood of horses after laminitis induced for carbohydrate administration (BAILEY et al., 2009BAILEY, S.R. et al. Plasma concentration of endotoxin and platelet activation in the developmental stage of oligofructose-induced laminitis. Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology, v.129, n.3-4, p.167-173, 2009.Available from: <Available from: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165242708007332 >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014. doi: 0.1016/j.vetimm.2008.11.009.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/art...
).

There is evidence that laminitis may occur secondarily to systemic inflammatory response (FALEIROS et al., 2008FALEIROS R.R. et al. Local and remote lesions in horses subjected to small colon distension and decompression. Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research, v.72, p.68-72, 2008. Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2117370 >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles...
). LASKOSKI et al. (2010LASKOSKI, L.M. et al. Morphological abnormalities and apoptosis in lamellar tissue of equines after intestinal obstruction and treatment with hydrocortisone. Brazilian Journal of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, v.62, n.6, p.1331-1339, 2010.Available from: <Available from: http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0102-09352010000600006 >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014. doi: 10.1590/S0102-09352010000600006.
http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=s...
) observed changes in the laminar tissue of horses after intestinal obstruction, probably due to systemic inflammatory activation triggered by ischemia-reperfusion injury that occurs in gastrointestinal disorders (RIO TINTO et al., 2004RIO TINTO, J.J.M. et. al. Use of hydrocortisone in horses subjected to ischemia and reperfusion in the jejunum and its consequences under the laminar corium., Brazilian Journal of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science v.56, n.3, p.292-299, 2004.Available from: <Available from: http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0102-09352004000300002 >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014.doi: 10.1590/S0102-09352004000300002.
http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=s...
). FALEIROS et al. (2011aFALEIROS, R.R. et al. Laminar chemokine mRNA concentrations in horses with carbohydrate overload-induced laminitis. Veterinary Immunology Immunopathology, v.15, n.1-2, p.45-51, 2011a. Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21889804 >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014. doi: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2011.07.005.Epub 2011 Jul 28.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21889...
and 2009bFALEIROS, R.R. et al. In vivo and in vitro evidence of the involvement of CXCL1, a keratinocyte-derived chemokine, in equine laminitis., Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine v.349, p.1-10, 2009b. Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19572911 >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014. doi: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2009.0349.x. Epub 2009 Jul 1.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19572...
) showed increase of chemokines in equine hoof with laminitis related to carbohydrate overload induction, which are linked to the activation and laminar leukocyte migration.

The black walnut extract induces leukocyte infiltration into the laminar tissue of the hoof in 1.5 hours, with a significant increase between 10 and 12 hours (FALEIROS et al., 2009aFALEIROS, R.R. et al. Calprotectin in myeloid and epithelial cells of laminae from horses with black walnut extract-induced laminitis. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, v.23, n.1, p.174-181, 2009a. Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19175737 >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014. doi: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2008.0241.x.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19175...
). In case of laminitis carbohydrates induction model, infiltration occurs later, increasing near to clinical signs time (FALEIROS et al., 2011bFALEIROS, R.R. et al. Laminar leukocyte accumulation in horses with carbohydrate overload-induced laminitis., Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine v.25, p.107-115, 2011b. Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21143304 >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014. doi: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2010.0650.x. Epub 2010 Dec 8.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21143...
). Thus, it is supposed that changes in the laminar tissue, which are more severe in this induction model, are directly related to the presence of inflammatory cells. There is an increase of leukocytes in laminar tissue in the development phase laminitis in horses after experimental jejunal obstruction (LASKOSKI et al., 2012LASKOSKI, L.M. et al. Gelatinase associated lipocalin neutrophils (NGAL) and calprotectin in laminar tissue horses after jejunal obstruction, treated or not with hydrocortisone., Brazilian Journal of Veterinary Research v.32, n.9, p.817-823, 2012. Available from: <Available from: http://www.scielo.br/pdf/pvb/v32n9/01.pdf >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014. doi: 10.1590/S0100-736X2012000900001.
http://www.scielo.br/pdf/pvb/v32n9/01.pd...
), and in horses with natural colic syndrome, especially if they showed leukopenia before death (LASKOSKI et al., 2015LASKOSKI, L.M. et al. Systemic leukopenia, evaluation of laminar leukocyte infiltration and laminar lesions in horses with naturally occurring colic syndrome. Research in Veterinary Science, 2015. In press.).

Apoptosis

The linkage of apoptosis with the pathogenesis of laminitis suggested the development of laminitis, since the laminar material does not display edema ornecrosis in the disease development. Apoptosis is a form of death of the cell which does not trigger a local inflammatory reaction, naturally existing in the laminar tissue of horses. There is an increased apoptosis in horses with laminitis naturally acquired until a week of evolution when compared to horses in the prodromal and chronical phase of the disease (FALEIROS et al., 2004FALEIROS, R.R. et al. Assessment of apoptosis in epidermal lamellar cells in clinically normal horses and those with laminitis., American Journal of Veterinary Research v.65, n.5, p.578-585, 2004. Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15141876 >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014. doi: 10.2460/ajvr.2004.65.578.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15141...
). Increase of apoptotic cells was not observed in equines with experimental intestinal obstruction, which did not show clinical signs of laminitis, but laminar morphological changes (LASKOSKI et al., 2010LASKOSKI, L.M. et al. Morphological abnormalities and apoptosis in lamellar tissue of equines after intestinal obstruction and treatment with hydrocortisone. Brazilian Journal of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, v.62, n.6, p.1331-1339, 2010.Available from: <Available from: http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0102-09352010000600006 >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014. doi: 10.1590/S0102-09352010000600006.
http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=s...
). Thus, the occurrence of apoptosis may be associated with the severity of the lesions found in an attempt to cell renewal, after the prodromal phase of the disease, when clinical symptoms are manifested.

Treatment

There are several therapeutic treatments available for the treatment of laminitis. The main measures will be presented, highlighting the information based on the results of scientific research.

Treatment of laminitis should be employed according to the clinical phase of the disease. The evidence of inflammation in the hoof laminar tissue during the prodromal phase of laminitis suggests that anti-inflammatory drugs may be useful at this point. LASKOSKI et al. (2012LASKOSKI, L.M. et al. Gelatinase associated lipocalin neutrophils (NGAL) and calprotectin in laminar tissue horses after jejunal obstruction, treated or not with hydrocortisone., Brazilian Journal of Veterinary Research v.32, n.9, p.817-823, 2012. Available from: <Available from: http://www.scielo.br/pdf/pvb/v32n9/01.pdf >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014. doi: 10.1590/S0100-736X2012000900001.
http://www.scielo.br/pdf/pvb/v32n9/01.pd...
) found that hydrocortisone administration reduces neutrophil gelatinase associated to lipocalin (NGAL), indicating lower leukocyte infiltration into laminar equine tissue once submitted to experimental ischemia and reperfusion. LIMA et al. (2013LIMA, L.R. et al. Clinical and hematologic equine laminitis subjected to a model oligofructose, treated or not with a receptor antagonist agent CXCR1/2. Brazilian Veterinarian Research, v.33, n.8, p.992-998, 2013. Available from: <Available from: http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0100736X2013000800008 >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014. doi: 10.1590/S0100-736X2013000800008.
http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=s...
) evidenced that administration of chemokine antagonists did not reduced painful discomfort in horses with induced laminitis, but prevented the increase of cytokines and epithelial cell degeneration indicators.

In regard to the use of heparin, there are controversial results. MARTINS FILHO et al. (2008MARTINS FILHO, L.P. et al. Influence of heparin in occurrence of equine laminitis induced carbohydrate overload., Brazilian Journal of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science v.60, n.6, p.1358-1366, 2008. Available from: <Available from: http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?pid=S0102-09352008000600009&script=sci_arttext >.Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014. doi: 10.1590/S0102-09352008000600009.
http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?pid=S010...
) found no reduction in hoof injuries with heparin treatment in the start of lameness, when laminitis was induced for carbohydrate administration. However, the substance prevented laminitis in horses with proximal duodenum jejunitis (LA REBIERE et al., 2008DE LA REBIERE G. , et al. Effects of unfractionated and fractionated heparins on myeloperoxidase activity and interactions with endothelial cells: possible effects on the pathophysiology of equine laminitis. Veterinary Journal, v.178, p.62-69, 2008.Available from: <Available from: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1090023307003139 >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014. doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2007.08.033.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/art...
). Additionally to the antithrombotic effect of heparin, it is suggested that the substance contain anti-inflammatory effects.

The most effective treatment prevention realized in the prodromal phase of inflammatory laminitis is the cryotherapy, which immerse equine hooves on ice while there is clinical signs of systemic inflammatory response, such as reddish mucous membranes, increased capillary refill time, tachycardia, tachypnea and depression (VAN EPS & POLLITT, 2004VAN EPS, A.W.; POLLITT, C.C. Equine laminitis: cryotherapy reduces the severity of the acute lesion., Equine Veterinary Journal v.36, n.3, p.255-260, 2004. Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15147134 >.Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014.doi: 10.2746/0425164044877107.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15147...
). Cryotherapy is more effective in the prodromal phase of laminitis; on the other hand, VAN EPS et al. (2013VAN EPS, A.W. Continuous digital hypothermia initiated after the onset of lameness prevents lamellar failure in the oligofructose laminitis model., Equine Veterinary Journal v.46, n.5, p.625-630, 2013. Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24004323 >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014. doi: 10.1111/evj.12180. Epub 2013 Nov 29.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24004...
) had demonstrated reduction on the severity of acute laminitis, perhaps by reducing the edema resulting from the injury already established.

Equine movement restriction in acute laminitis and use of soft boots are utilized to reduce concussion of the hoof, which would trigger even more injury on the weakened tissue (MORRISON, 2010MORRISON, S. Chronic laminitis foot management., Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice v.26, n.2, p.425-446, 2010. Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20699185 >. Accessed: Sept. 03, 2014. doi: 10.1016/j.cveq.2010.06.003.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20699...
). The acepromazine may also be used to restrict movement of the horse by mild sedation, and there is a vasodilator effect (INGLE-FEHR & BAXTER, 1999INGLE-FEHR, J.E.; BAXTER, G.M. The effect of oral isoxsuprine and pentoxifylline on digital and laminar blood flow in healthy horses., Veterinary Surgery v.28, n.3, p.154-160, 1999. Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Ingle-Fher++Baxter+laminitis >.Accessed: Nov. 24, 2014.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term...
), despite of the controversial use this stage.

In cases of secondary laminitis to metabolic abnormalities, it may be managed metformin, which increases sensitivity of cells to insulin, the dose of 15mgkg-1 twice a day. The medication evidenced a clinical improvement of 78% of poneys and horses with insulin resistance (DURHAM et al., 2008DURHAM, A.E. et al. The effect of metformin on measurements of insulin sensitivity and beta cell response in 18 horses and ponies with insulin resistance., Equine Veterinary Journal v.40, p.493-500, 2008.Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18482898 >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014. doi: 10.2746/042516408X273648.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18482...
).

The analgesia in chronical phase is usually performed by administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Regarding the improvement of laminar tissue circulation blood, which in the chronical phase happens to be compromised and often show larger areas of necrosis, INGLE-FEHR & BAXTER (1999INGLE-FEHR, J.E.; BAXTER, G.M. The effect of oral isoxsuprine and pentoxifylline on digital and laminar blood flow in healthy horses., Veterinary Surgery v.28, n.3, p.154-160, 1999. Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Ingle-Fher++Baxter+laminitis >.Accessed: Nov. 24, 2014.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term...
) had observed that acepromazine increases digital blood flow, differently from the observation after pentoxifylline and isoxsuprine administration.

Corrective hoof treatment, in the chronical phase of laminitis, has a vast literature. The main treatments are the trimming and horseshoes application and similar appliances, and there are questionable effectiveness techniques, especially by individual response and different degrees of involvement hoof (PARKS & O'GRADY, 2003PARKS, A.; O'GRADY, S.E. Chronic laminitis: current treatment strategies., Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice v.19, p.393-416, 2003. Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14575166 >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014.doi: 10.1016/S0749-0739(03)00019-1.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14575...
; MORRISON, 2010MORRISON, S. Chronic laminitis foot management., Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice v.26, n.2, p.425-446, 2010. Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20699185 >. Accessed: Sept. 03, 2014. doi: 10.1016/j.cveq.2010.06.003.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20699...
). The objectives of these practices are to stabilize the phalanx, reduce the pain and stimulate new hoof growth. The realignment of the distal phalanx and soil should be performed by removing the bead and the wall of the hoof, progressively. The application of traditional horseshoes heart-shaped, oval and inverted has been indicated. However, alternative materials and adhesives have been increasingly used, as fixing a wooden clog under the sole intent to recruit support from the frog and heels, and reduce surface contact with the ground, improving the "breakover", reducing the force to which the hoof let the soil (STEWART, 2010STEWART, M.L. The use of the wooden shoe (Steward Clog) in treating laminitis., Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice v.26, n.1, p.207-214, 2010. Available in: <Available in: http://ac.els-cdn.com/S0749073909000984/1-s2.0-S0749073909000984-main.pdf?_tid=0a900802abdd11e4b18400000aab0f01&acdnat=1422992838_91801ae6d129c6c0dcdbe22eb2cb3822 >. Accessed: Jan. 27, 2015. doi: 10.1016/j.cveq.2009.12.002.
http://ac.els-cdn.com/S0749073909000984/...
). Strategies to minimize the mechanical detachment, like application of fixing substances in the hoof sole, such as acrylic resin or epoxy in association with horseshoes (MORRISON, 2010MORRISON, S. Chronic laminitis foot management., Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice v.26, n.2, p.425-446, 2010. Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20699185 >. Accessed: Sept. 03, 2014. doi: 10.1016/j.cveq.2010.06.003.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20699...
) are useful in controlling the progression of the disease. In some cases, tenotomy is recommended, removing the pressure exerted by the tendon over the distal phalanx (HUNT et al., 1990HUNT, R.J. et al. Mid-metacarpal deep digital flexor tenotomy in the management of refractory laminitis in horses. Veterinary Surgery, v.20, n.1, p.15-20, 1990. Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2008769 >. Accessed: Dec. 07, 2014.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20087...
). Resection of the hoof wall in the acute or chronical laminitis, allows the draining of liquids which contributes to the deterioration of the condition injury and edema. In certain cases, when irregular growth of the wall is noticed due to necrosis and committal of coronary band, removal of the wall allows the growth of tissue in realignment to the distal phalanx (RUCKER, 2010RUCKER, A. Chronic laminitis: strategic hoof wall resection., Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice v.26, n.1, p.197-205, 2010. Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20381747 >. Accessed: Jan. 27, 2015. doi: 10.1016/j.cveq.2009.12.00.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20381...
).

VAN EPS & POLLITT (2009VAN EPS, A.W.; POLLITT C.C. Equine laminitis model: lamellar histopathology seven days after induction with oligofructose., Equine Veterinary Journal v.41, n.8, p.735-740, 2009. Available from: <Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20095219 >. Accessed: Sept. 05, 2014. doi: 10.2746/042516409X444953.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20095...
) evidenced laminar tissue hoof to have high capacity to reorganize after the acute episode of laminitis. However, in some cases, the animal does not present positive response to treatment, and the condition worsens to the point of euthanasia as the last resort to relief suffering.

CONCLUSION:

The development of research focused on the treatment of laminitis are fruitless without the knowledge about the pathophysiology of it. With the progress made in recent years, allowing new perspectives of investigations, it is believed that the development of lameness mechanism will be entirely clear and thus more accurate and effective therapies will be found to reduce the severity of this condition.

REFERENCES:

  • 1
    CR-2015-0175.R2

Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    Mar 2016

History

  • Received
    06 Feb 2015
  • Accepted
    28 July 2015
  • Reviewed
    29 Sept 2015
Universidade Federal de Santa Maria Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Centro de Ciências Rurais , 97105-900 Santa Maria RS Brazil , Tel.: +55 55 3220-8698 , Fax: +55 55 3220-8695 - Santa Maria - RS - Brazil
E-mail: cienciarural@mail.ufsm.br