Hoefbevangenheid bij je paard? Hoe rood licht kan helpen

Laminitis in your horse? How red light can help

Laminitis is a hoof condition in horses. Many horses, and therefore their owners, will experience it sooner or later. The condition can be painful for the horse, and it's important to find the right treatment. Additional treatments such as red light therapy can be very helpful. This article explains laminitis and how red light therapy can aid in the recovery process.

What is laminitis?

Laminitis is an inflammation of the laminae of the hooves. These laminae connect the hoof bone to the hoof boot. When they become inflamed, this tissue becomes damaged. This can cause significant pain, and in severe cases, it can even cause permanent damage.

How does it come about?

This condition can arise from several causes. These are the most common:

Food with too much sugar or fructan;
Overweight with the risk of metabolic problems;
Hormonal imbalance, such as insulin resistance or Cushing's disease;
Stress or medications such as corticosteroids.

In many cases the horse suffers from a combination of these factors.

laminitis pair grazing in the grass — Source: Pexels

What are the symptoms of laminitis?

It's important to recognise the onset of laminitis immediately. Symptoms of mild laminitis include reduced movement, stiffness, or difficulty turning. The horse may also experience warm hooves, increased pulse in the foot, restless behavior, or a need to lie down more frequently.

Many horses with laminitis exhibit a classic, cramped posture, shifting their weight backward. Often, the animal also experiences an increased heart rate, pain when turning, and sweating.

Can a horse recover from laminitis?

With proper care, it is possible to recover from this condition. Especially in mild cases, the horse can recover completely. However, laminitis can become chronic. In this case, a cure is not possible, but damage can be limited and the pain reduced.

How do you treat laminitis?

Treatment often begins with rest, a modified diet, and veterinary support. These are the typical steps during the recovery process:

Adjusting the diet and avoiding sugars and starches;
Additional hoof care through regular trimming, sometimes under the supervision of a farrier;
Controlled movement to the extent that the horse is capable of it;
Hoof boots for laminitis, for extra relief and support;
Support through red light therapy that can be used independently.

Many horse owners are also opting for natural and complementary therapies these days. For example, red light therapy is becoming increasingly popular.

Red light therapy as an aid in laminitis

Red light therapy, also called photobiomodulation, is a safe and natural way to treat laminitis. It is therefore often used as a support or supplementary method to accelerate the recovery process and relieve pain. The red light reduces inflammation and supports tissue and cell repair. It improves blood flow, reduces pain, and promotes cell regeneration.

This works because the red light penetrates deep into the skin and underlying tissues. This stimulates energy production (ATP) in the cells. As a result, cellular functions such as regeneration and inflammation reduction are improved. The red light also dilates blood vessels, increasing blood flow and thus accelerating recovery.

How can red light be used in laminitis?

Red light therapy can be used for laminitis to stimulate blood flow in and around the hooves. Red light also inhibits inflammatory responses, reduces pain, and supports the healing process of damaged tissues. Both acute and chronic cases can benefit from this non-invasive therapy.

Use red light therapy yourself with PowerCure

A good example of a red light therapy device you can use yourself on horses is the PowerCure Pro laser. The PowerCure laser is a powerful red light therapy device that you can easily use on your horse (and yourself!). By treating the area around the hoof for a few minutes daily, you can naturally support the healing process by stimulating the body's natural healing processes.

Why should you use the PowerCure laser?

The PowerCure laser is a powerful device that you can use not only for your horses, but also for other animals or even yourself. These are the main advantages of this light therapy device:

Compact and wireless, easy to take to the stable;
Proven effective technology for inflammation, pain and recovery;
Suitable for local use on horses, animals and humans;
Easy to use, no professional needed.

PowerCure also has many positive reviews demonstrating the effectiveness of red light in horses. The laser isn't necessarily a replacement for other treatments, but can be used effectively as a supplement to accelerate processes and alleviate pain.

Shop the PowerCure Pro here

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