Endocrinopathic Laminitis, Obesity-Associated Laminitis, and Pasture-Associated Laminitis

In a recent online survey, we asked equine practitioners to list the three most common causes of laminitis in horses seen within their practice. We expected veterinarians to list colitis, colic, and retained placenta as the primary causes of laminitis, but many respondents listed obesity, insulin resistance (IR), equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), and lush pasture. These results reflect the prevalence of endocrine/metabolic problems in horses that are seen in general practice. We will examine these problems and discuss the potential mechanisms involved in endocrinopathic laminitis.