EQUINE LAMINITIS ASSOCIATED WITH GASTROINTESTINAL IMBALANCES AND SYSTEMIC INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE SYNDROME: A REVIEW OF THE CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS AND THERAPEUTIC OPTIONS

Abstract

Laminitis consists of inflammation of the dermal lamellae of the hoof and digital vascular dysfunction that can result in deformation and/or loss of the hooves, and can be a serious pathology in horses. In most cases, these conditions are preceded by gastrointestinal imbalances. Any damage to the intestinal barrier can allow the systemic invasion of toxins derived from the intestine that can act as a "trigger" for the development of the disease. Laminitis related to sepsis is acute, and sepsis is characterized as a systemic inflammatory state with the presence of an infection. The study of laminitis induction models allows a better understanding of the mechanisms involved, although its pathophysiology has not been completely elucidated. Clinical signs may be more evident in the thoracic limbs, causing the patient to try to transfer the support of their weight to the pelvic limbs. Treatment, on the other hand, consists of a multifactorial approach, depending on the cause and clinical signs. In this sense, this study aimed to perform a literature review to better evidence the relationship between the occurrence of laminitis and gastrointestinal disorders that lead to systemic inflammatory response syndrome and sepsis. Addressing the possible pathophysiology of the condition, and possible treatments to be applied.