Benefits of Insurance Case Story: Laminitis in a horse

Diagnosis

Although a diagnosis is usually made based on clinical signs; taking radiographs of the feet is very useful to determine what the position of the pedal bones is. Often owners may be reluctant to have the feet x-rayed, as the cost can be £300-£400. But it can really help to determine prognosis and develop a treatment plan. On radiographs, a measurement can be made of the angle of rotation of the pedal bone in relation to the dorsal hoof wall, an assessment of pedal bone sinking can also be made. 

Fortunately, Milly was insured, and the insurer covered the X-ray, vet and treatment bills, a great relief to ever

Treatment

In Milly’s case, the radiographs showed mild rotation, but no sinking of the pedal bone. Sinking of the pedal bone carries a less favourable prognosis and many horses don’t recover, even with intensive management of the condition.

Once intravenous pain relief was given, Milly was moved to a stable with a deep bedding to provide comfort for her feet. The vet advised strict box rest for Milly. And a diet of soaked hay with daily oral medications put into a small amount of low sugar food and a balancer.

Encouraging Milly to lose weight is important. It will help to make her more comfortable on her feet, speed up her recovery and prevent the recurrence of laminitis. Weight loss can be achieved by feeding 1.5% of Milly’s body weight in hay and then soaking it in water to remove the sugar. As there will be very little nutritional value in the hay, a balancer needs to be provided to ensure that Milly still receives essential vitamins and minerals. Using a small holed or double hay net can help to slow down the rate of eating, so that the hay lasts longer throughout the day.

Outcome

Following the administration of pain relief, Milly started to look a lot more comfortable. After two weeks of box rest and oral pain relief, the vet came back to check on her. The vet found that she was able to walk well, seemed comfortable and the digital pulses had reduced. A blood sample was taken for Cushing’s disease. And the vet had a discussion with Milly’s farrier about remedial farriery, based on the radiographs. 

Over the following weeks, Milly was weaned off her pain medication and was allowed to start walking exercise. The blood sample showed that Milly did have Cushing’s disease.