What movements of P3 are associated with chronic laminitis?

• A. Lateral deviation
• B. Elevation
• C. Rotation, sinking
• D. Dorsal rotation

Answer: (C)

In chronic laminitis, the main issue is the failure of the laminae that suspend P3 inside the hoof. When these attachments weaken, the distal phalanx becomes unstable on the coffin bone and can tilt and descend under weight bearing. This produces two characteristic movements: rotation of P3, as it tilts relative to the hoof wall, and sinking, where P3 drops further within the hoof capsule. Together, rotation and sinking describe the typical changes seen in chronic cases.

Other options don’t capture this combination. Lateral deviation or elevation aren’t the hallmark patterns of chronic laminitis, while dorsal rotation is a form of rotation but doesn’t separately convey the accompanying sinking that often accompanies chronic disease.