Acute laminitis is associated with ruminal acidosis. True or False?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only with calving
• D. Only with older cows

Answer: (A)

Acute laminitis is a non-infectious inflammatory injury of the hoof laminae. It can follow ruminal acidosis because a rapid intake of fermentable carbohydrates lowers rumen pH, damaging the rumen mucosa and promoting systemic release of inflammatory mediators and endotoxins into the bloodstream. Those circulating inflammatory factors reach the hoof’s laminar vasculature, causing increased permeability, edema, and disruption of laminar attachments. The resulting laminar injury and impaired blood flow lead to painful separation of the hoof wall from the underlying tissues, i.e., founder. So the statement is true: ruminal acidosis can precipitate acute laminitis through a systemic inflammatory and vascular mechanism affecting the laminae. This is not limited to calving or to older cows; risk rises with grain overload or abrupt dietary changes in cattle, but the link to laminitis can occur across ages and scenarios.