Horse, Laminitis and Founder
Answered by: Kerry Hackett
Question from: Kathy Mora
Posted on: March 14, 2006

I have a horse that has foundered. Is there anything that will help her to regenerate the tissue needed to reattach the lamina as well as the bone? Any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated.

Laminitis refers to the first inflammatory stage of the laminae within the hoof. It can be caused by a number of different events such as the overconsumption of rich grass, a severe blow to the hoof, hormonal imbalance, reaction to some pharmaceuticals, infection, long walks on concrete, shock or stress, to name a few. Herbs are at their most useful in the prevention of laminitis; these would include: Dandelion leaves (Taraxacum officinale), Nettle leaves (Urtica dioica) and Cleavers leaves (Galium aparine). However, once Laminitis has occurred, homeopathy may be of more help. If your horse is suffering with acute laminitis try the following homeopathics:

1. Aconite 30C: this is to be given immediately on the very first signs of laminitis; every 30 minutes for six doses.

2. Belladonna 1M: given along with Aconite if it feels like the arteries are throbbing and the horse has a bounding pulse along with sweating; every 30 minutes for six doses

3. Nux Vomica 1M: if Aconite and Belladonna are given, follow with Nux Vomica. If the first two are not given and the cause of the laminitis is from over-indulging on grain or rich pasture, give Nux Vomica on its own every two hours for four doses.

If your horse was allowed to continue past the acute stage of laminitis and the damaged laminae has separated the horn from the bone (founder), try homeopathic Calc Fluor 30C once a week for four weeks then once a month for six months.

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