Laminitis is a disease condition that causes damage to the attachments between the hoof capsule and the bone within the hoof capsule. The condition results in lameness that varies in severity. The severity of the lameness is related to the amount of damage and insult to the tissue. Several primary disease conditions can trigger the onset of the signs of laminitis. Severe colic, pleuropneumonia, retained placenta, bacterial diarrhea, or severe cellulitis are all capable of trigger the pathway to laminitis. The common element among these conditions is infection and absorption of toxic substances from the infection.

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