What is a common symptom of a horse suffering from laminitis?

A common symptom of a horse suffering from laminitis is pain in the front feet. Laminitis is a serious condition that affects the sensitive laminae in a horse's feet, leading to inflammation and significant discomfort. Horses may exhibit signs of pain by shifting their weight, standing with their front feet stretched out in front of them, or being reluctant to walk or move.

Pain is often most pronounced in the front feet because these hooves typically bear a greater proportion of the horse's weight, especially at the onset of laminitis. This discomfort can also lead to a characteristic stance, as horses may try to alleviate their pain by adopting unusual postures. Recognizing pain in the front feet as a symptom allows for timely intervention and management of the condition.

Understanding this symptom is crucial for horse owners and caretakers to ensure that affected horses receive appropriate veterinary care and management to prevent further complications associated with laminitis.