Foundered!
By Gabriel Denison
As the winter passes, Central Oregonians are ready for an active equine season ahead, but beware of an attractive field of spring grass. In 24 hours your horse, and your riding plans, could be foundered for good.
Many horse owners are familiar with the term, “founder.” To the informed and to the victimized, founder is a serious condition, to others, a temporary nuisance when their horse is footsore. It is only a matter of time until that condition develops into something more serious.
The technical term for founder is “laminitis,” as the laminae that secures the coffin bone inside the hoof are compromised. The coffin bone and distal phalanx inside the hoof become detached and rotate, putting pressure on the sole of the hoof. In lay terms, the word “founder” is from the maritime term, meaning, “to sink.”
“I never really understood how founder happened,” said Paula Stopsun, from Tumalo, Oregon, “ But everyone warned me about it – and to avoid turning my horse on spring grass.”
Dr. Karen Laidley, of Cinder Rock Veterinary in Redmond, Oregon, explains the factors causing laminitis include: 1) An excess of carbohydrates, in the form of grain or lush pasture, 2) stress/shock, as a secondary reaction to intestinal problems (colic), pneumonia, retained placenta or other severe complications, 3) management factors, such as excessive work on hard surfaces, prolonged transportation, ingestion of cold water by an overheated horse, and prolonged transportation.
Another odd cause of founder is exposure to black walnut shavings – a shock to the equine system in areas where black walnut trees are abundant. In Central Oregon, the danger lies not in black walnuts, but in the lure of greener fields after the bleak cold winters of the high desert.
“It's tempting, “ Paula continued, talking about her narrow escape from founder with her rehab horses, “You just want to let them get out, be a horse, and fatten up.” But Paula was stopped by her trainer, who referred her to Cinder Rock.
“I learned you have to go slowly, let their systems adjust to the grass for an hour a day, and increase the time.”
Caution is probably the biggest key in prevention, but if your horse shows signs of laminitis, there are steps to take in assisting your horse, as founder is extremely painful. Firstly, call your vet. Your veterinarian can administer painkillers and anti-inflammatories to make your horse more comfortable. Secondly, encourage your horse to lie down to remove the weight from his already overloaded hooves.
Your vet may also “tube” your horse, or administer mineral oil directly to the stomach and intestinal system via a tube through the nasal passage. This removes bacterial toxins caused by pain, stress, or residuals from overeating.
