What can laminitis/founder cause?

• A. Destruction of the hoof/bone bond that results in rotation or sinking of the coffin bone
• B. Hoof wall cracks
• C. Sole bruising
• D. White line infection

Answer: (A)

Laminitis affects the attachment between the coffin bone and the hoof wall by inflaming and weakening the laminae that hold them together. When this bond fails, the coffin bone can tilt or sink within the hoof capsule, leading to rotation or sinking of the bone. This is the defining structural change of founder and is the primary reason the horse becomes seriously lame and the hoof shape can deform over time.

Hoof wall cracks, sole bruising, or white line infections can occur in various hoof conditions but they are not the hallmark consequence of laminitis. They may be present secondarily or from other issues, but the key issue in laminitis is the compromised bond between the bone and hoof wall causing rotation or sinking of the coffin bone.