LGL - low grade laminitis

In some quarters the subject of LGL is controversial.  Not all vets believe it exists, but among my barefoot community we believe we see it a lot and it is commonly believed to be a barrier to complete barefoot soundness over all terrains.

The following list of symptoms is an extract from a veterinary paper (source detailed at end)

Tell-Tale Signs of Low Grade Laminitis

• 'Jarred up' or sore feet in the front hooves, particularly when worked on hard tracks
• A short, scratchy gait which does not warm out, and worsens after fast or hard work - the horse may appear sore in the shoulders
• Prominent 'growth rings' on the hoof wall
• A dished hoof wall with flared out toes (often with low compacted heels)
• Broken away hoof edges and flaky soles - sole may appear flat or dropped
• A crumbly white line or low grade seedy toe
• Pain when hoof testers are applied around the edges of the sole, particularly in the toe region
• Sore footedness after hoof trimming or shoeing

Research in Australia has shown an association between high grain diets, hindgut acidosis (high levels of acid in the large bowel) and symptoms of low grade laminitis.  Hind gut acidosis can also cause other side effects in addition to hoof disorders including loose 'cow-pat' droppings, sour smelling droppings and nervy, fizzy behaviour and other behavioural changes such as bedding eat and wood chewing.

Extracted from:  Veterinary View; Laminitis - Racing Horses are at Risk!, Ruth Davis BVSc, Vetsearch International