QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF LAMINITIS CASES AT HORSEVET – EQUINE HOSPITAL IN ARAXÁ AND SURROUNDING REGION OF MINAS GERAIS

Abstract

Equine laminitis, an inflammatory and debilitating foot condition, represents a significant challenge for veterinary medicine due to its high prevalence and economic impact. In Brazil, where Minas Gerais stands out with the largest equine herd, understanding its epidemiological profile is essential. This study aimed to quantitatively analyze laminitis cases in equines treated at HorseVet – Equine Hospital in Araxá-MG, from January 2023 to April 2024. This was a quantitative, descriptive, and retrospective research, analyzing medical records of 10 equines that met the inclusion criteria. The results revealed a distribution of 60% males and 40% females. The main cause was excessive grain intake (30%), followed by retained placenta, snakebite envenomation, and rhabdomyolysis (20% each), and post-colic surgery (10%). The multimodal therapeutic approach, which included orthopedic management (cast boot in 100% of cases) and pharmacological association (anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and pentoxifylline in over 80% of cases), resulted in a cure rate of 80%, even with the high prevalence of severe complications such as rotation (80%) and sinking (60%) of the third phalanx. It is concluded that laminitis in the region has a multifactorial etiology, with a strong nutritional and systemic component. The treatment protocol adopted proved effective, and the findings reinforce the need for targeted preventive measures, such as strict nutritional management and monitoring of predisposing diseases, to reduce the incidence and losses associated with the condition.