Laminitis in Cattle: Update

Abstract

Laminitis is defined as a diffuse aseptic inflammation of the corium of digits, usually involving more than one digit. Laminitis has been recognised as a disease of multifactorial aetiology as several factors are thought to be involved. In this review, current concepts on aetiology are discussed and these include factors produced during inflammatory processes, or carbohydrate fermentation in the rumen with subsequent production of histamine and/or lactic acid. The sudden introduction of feeds composed of large amounts of readily fermentable carbohydrates is associated with the occurrence of laminitis in both dairy and beef cattle. Other factors include epidermal growth factors, endotoxins and vasoactive mediators of the arachidonic acid metabolites such as thromboxane A2, prostaglandin E₂ and prostacycline 1₂. The theories for the pathogenesis of the disease presented attempt to identify the primary site of attack based on radiographic findings, histological observations in the corium of the digits and experiments with epidermal growth factors. However, there is a lot of uncertainty regarding the actual aetiology and pathogenesis. Specific areas for further research in order to understand the actual aetiology and pathogenesis are outlined