Would You Buy a Horse that Had Laminitis in the Past?

Question

I found the perfect horse for me...except that he was ill with Potomac Horse Fever about 9 months ago. As a result, he had developed laminitis in one front foot. He's better now. Clean x-rays, etc. I am waiting to hear back from the vet on his future as a hunter/jumper - but I'd love to hear some opinions from others with experience in this. Thanks!

Answer 1

I bought a horse 13 years ago that had suffered a bout of Laminitis.  The seller disclosed some slight rotation of her coffin bones but nothing real serious.  She has not taken a lame step since I've owned her and she has not had any recurrence of the laminitis either.  She is pasture kept during the day and stalled at night with an attached paddock.  

So the answer to your question is yes.  I wouldn't hesitate especially since his x-rays are good.

Answer 2

I think you will get your answer once you have spoken with the vet.

All cases are different, it would depend on the stage of the laminitis.

At least you are aware of the problem. You will be in a position to keep him monitored in the future.

Good luck and I hope it works for you both.

Answer 3

if i was just going to trail ride yes. but as a hunter/jumper no i dont think i would. but thats just me.

Answer 4

mmm, tough one. if he got it from an illness, you may be safe if he's fully healthy. just have a vet check it.

if he had it from eating habbits, weight etc, then he will be prone to it. my neighbors horse has cronic founder

Answer 5

i would buy him, just make sure you know how much protein he has, and if he is getting alot cfut it down, laminitis forms from founder, which comes from too much protein. you are really lucky that the horse made it through laminitis

Answer 6

It would depend on what is the horses intended use.  Once a horse founder's they are predisposed to laminitis in the future.  I'm not saying don't buy, but make sure he gets a thorough prepurchase exam from your veterinarian.

Answer 7

If he x rays sound, there is no reason to be concerned...the laminitis was unrelated to a chronic condition.  Unless Potomac Hf involves other chronic complications (I haven't looked it up) there would be no reason to reject him on that basis.  I would research all potential long term implications following Potomac HF before proceding, though.

Answer 8

If I were you I would check with the vet and make sure he is as healthy as he is going to get or pretty close. If you really think that he is the one for you then i would really think it over. If you do get him I would take some extra precautions just to stay safe.

Answer 9

Personally. No. Most cases of laminitis will never go away and can damage the hoof and create unsoundness in the horse. Would I invest money into a horse that is most likely to cost me more money in care later on down the road, no. I'd look for a horse that has the same attributes with no unsoundness history.

Just because he's better now doesn't mean that he won't founder later on down the road. Which if you do purchase him. I would keep a close eye out for a relapse.

Answer 10

If the X-rays showed no rotation of the coffin bone, everything should be fine.  Just be aware that generally once a horse has laminitis, they are more prone to get it again.

Answer 11

If the x-rays are completely clear it's probably fine. What do you plan on using him for though?

Answer 12

i would buy him if he is the perfect horsefor you

Answer 13

I bought a horse with arthritis in one hock because it was love at first sight and I only wanted to do pleasure riding anyway. He's a great horse and my best friend. I ride regularly, don't ask too much of him and do everything I can to manage his condition. I suppose the question you need to ask is, would you be prepared to continue caring for this horse if, at some point in the future, you could no longer use him for hunting and jumping?