I Think Barbaro Should Be Put Down

[kentuckyrosesinmay]

Originally Posted by paisjpq

while I agree that they don't want to overstress the laminitic foot this is not quite right...the horse's circulatory system to the lower leg is actually a rather rudimentary pump, it relys on the pressure exerted by weight bearing in order to force blood back to the heart...i.e. in order to work right there must be some weight bearing.

You are absolutely correct in this, but it depends on the type of laminitis the horse has as to whether or not they are to receive exercise. Most veterinarians recommend exercise (walking) directly after an acute attack if possible because it increases the circulation in the foot. However, in milder or chronic episodes, this is not recommended and can actually be very harmful.