Laminitis can become chronic and horses can easily get it again and again, with each time becoming acute. It is very important to educate yourself on chronic laminitis in horses so you know what to look out for. If your horse contracts laminitis, it is imperative to immediately take the steps necessary to start the healing process. If laminitis is allowed to progress, it can be easier for the horse to contract it in the future and possibly founder.

Laminitis is when the soft, laminae tissue becomes inflamed. The laminae tissue connect the coffin bone to the hoof wall. Due to a variety of reasons, the tissue becomes inflamed. The blood flow is slowed or stopped altogether and the tissue begins to die. It is extremely painful.

Chronic laminitis is often marked by telltale rings around the hoof. The rings are often wider at the heel than the toe, indicating the toe is growing slower. It is imperative to have a good relationship with a farrier who is experienced treating chronic laminitis. A good farrier can mean the difference between a sound, working horse and a pasture ornament.

It is also important to keep your horse on a routine that includes nutrition, exercise and general horse keeping. A horse with chronic laminitis can be kept in work if the routine works towards keeping him healthy and sound.

• A modified diet is extremely important. The horse must get his nutritional needs met by high-quality hay, not grain.
• Routine, regular hoof care by a good farrier.
• Work and exercise tailored to the horses needs. A horse that previously jumped, for example, might not be jumping anymore. He might be used for light trail riding, though.
• A good worming and vaccination program to reduce the chances of illness or disease.
• Possibly a good nutrional supplement designed specifically for chronic laminitis.
• Keep the horse on deep bedding to reduce any pressure in his hooves while he is in his stall. If he is field kept the ground should be soft.

If a horses' laminitis is not taken care of and managed, it can often lead to founder. Founder is when the laminae tissue cannot support the coffin bone anymore, and the bone rotates and can drop through the sole of the hoof. It is a leading cause of death among horses, and many times the owner has to make the decision to humanely put the horse down.

Many horses that develop laminitis make full recoveries and go on to lead normal, working lives. However, there are horses that become chronic, and it takes an educated horse owner to be able to manage the horse in such a way that he leads a pain free and sound life.