Degenerative Or Idiopathic Disease: A Case Study

A degenerative or idiopathic disease is characterized by the deterioration and loss of functions of internal organs and cells. An example of this disease would be Laminitis, which is a painful, and potentially crippling disease that can be fatal to horses. A horse may have to be humanely euthanized if the effects of the disease have become so serious that it is inhumane to continue to attempt further treatment. Laminitis can affect any of the feet but is more commonly seen in the front feet. Any horse or pony can be affected by laminitis.
The hoof wall is made up of an interlinked outer insensitive layer (horn) supported by an underlying inner sensitive layer (laminae). In laminitis, the blood flow to the laminae is affected, resulting in inflammation and swelling in the tissues within the hoof, and severe pain. As the laminae are starved of oxygen and nutrient rich blood, the cells become damaged. Unless the …show more content…
In severe cases of laminitis the pedal bone can sink and rotate due to the inability of the damaged laminae to support it and from the pull of the deep digital flexor tendon. If the pedal bone sinks too far it can be seen to protrude from the sole of the foot.
A number of different factors can cause laminitis or predispose a horse to getting the condition. Animals that are overweight or have suffered previously from laminitis are particularly susceptible.
High intake of soluble carbohydrates causes an overload in the digestive system with undigested sugar and starch pushed through to the hindgut. Bacteria breaks down the undigested material causing acidity in the hindgut, which kills the bacteria that digest fiber. As the bacteria die they release toxins into the gut, which are then passed into the bloodstream through the gut wall. These toxins provoke a response within the horse that is thought to disrupt blood flow, which, in the feet, can cause