Gout in Horses

Gout is a condition which causes swelling of the joints. The specific cause of gout in humans and horses is very different, but the resulting symptoms and treatment are the same.

Identification

The condition in horses, sometimes referred to as equine gout, is laminitis, also known as founder. This condition causes edema in the laminae, or soft tissue of the hoof.

Cause

When the hoof is damaged it can, over time, result in a decreased blood flow to the hoof's live tissue. The condition, if not corrected, may cause the coffin bone to detach from the hoof wall.

Predisposing Factors

The most common factor which leads a horse to founder is an improper diet. Horses that are over-grained or who eat too much clover are especially prone. Also, horses that favor one foot, or who have intestinal diseases, are more likely to develop a case of equine gout.

Treatment

Human gout medications have proved effective in treating laminitis in horses, specifically treatments that contain a mixture of allopurinol, hydrocortisone, powdered opium, and prednisolone or prednisone. Having a horse shod to correct rotation and limit further damage to the P-3 is also essential.

References

• Louisiana State University: Treatment of Laminitis Being Studied
• Equine Recovery: Laminitis and Founder
• Patent application title: Preparation for the Treatment of Equine Laminitis