Inflammation of the laminae of the hoof wall is known as which condition?

• A. Laminitis
• B. Pododermatitis
• C. Hoof abscess
• D. Navicular disease

Answer: (A)

Laminitis is the inflammation of the laminae that attach the hoof wall to the coffin bone. These laminae form the bond between the wall and the bone, so when they become inflamed, that suspensory connection weakens, causing pain, lameness, and in severe cases rotation or sinking of the coffin bone within the hoof. This is distinct from pododermatitis, which is inflammation of the hoof skin; a hoof abscess, which is a localized pus collection within the hoof; and navicular disease, which centers on degeneration or inflammation around the navicular bone and its associated structures rather than the laminae themselves.