Steroid-associated laminitis risk

What is it about?

This is a critical analysis of the published literature (CAT) relating to corticosteroid-associated laminitis in horses.

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Why is it important?

It is important to base clinical decisions on robust scientific evidence rather than anecdote. The risk of laminitis associated with the use of corticosteroids in horses is perceived to be great. However there is very little scientific literature published in this area and the evidence to link the two is minimal. It would appear that in the major of cases in which there is an association between the development of laminitis and the use of corticosteroids, the animal has pre-existing laminitis risk factors such as obesity, endocrinopathies or metabolic disorders.