That's why in this blog we would like to explain how cannabidiol can contribute to addressing laminitis.

How does laminitis develop?

The University of Utrecht names three causes for the development of laminitis. Firstly, a disease or inflammation elsewhere in the body. Such inflammation or disease causes an accumulation of toxins in the blood. These toxins will lead to changes in blood flow in the hoof, resulting in laminitis. The second reason is overloading of the foot, for example due to an injury to the other leg or prolonged walking on a hard surface. The third reason is hormonal. Another disease, such as PPID (Cushing's) or metabolic syndrome (in overweight horses), leads to a disruption of the hormonal balance. Probably also a disturbed sugar metabolism arises. This causes laminitis, especially if fructan-rich grass is eaten. Stress, extreme weather changes, excessive feeding, lack of exercise, genetic predisposition, and mineral deficiencies can also be (partial) causes of laminitis.

Approach to laminitis:

• Consult a veterinarian
• Do not feed concentrated feed anymore
• Only feed poor and stemmy hay
• Do not let your horse graze, but put them in a paddock on sand
• Provide a wet spot in the paddock where the horse can cool its hoof
• Boost the immune system
• Administer an anti-inflammatory (such as cannabinoids)

What are cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are substances that bind to a cannabinoid receptor in the body. These substances are the signaling molecules of the endocannabinoid system, which is important in numerous bodily processes. A healthy endocannabinoid system is essential for the physical and mental balance of humans and animals. The body produces cannabinoids itself, but can also absorb them from food or supplements. Some plants, including hemp and cloves, produce rich amounts of cannabinoids.

When you give cannabidiol to your horse, the endocannabinoid system can restore balance in the body more quickly. The body's natural healing ability then works better. You can read more about the endocannabinoid system here.

Cannabinoids and laminitis

Horses with laminitis benefit from cannabidiol as a supplement because cannabinoids have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects. In a clinical study by Cornell University with dogs suffering from arthritis (inflammation of the joints), it was proven that administering cannabinoids led to a reduction in pain symptoms. Additionally, the dogs in this study moved more voluntarily. It was a double-blind study, and these effects were not seen in the group of dogs that received the placebo. Laminitis in horses is an inflammation of the hoof wall, which causes a lot of pain. Cannabidiol acts directly on this. Furthermore, movement becomes easier, promoting healing.

Additional effect: immune system boost

A horse with a weakened immune system is more susceptible to diseases, and sick horses are more vulnerable to laminitis. Stress can also lead to a higher susceptibility to this nasty disease. Cannabidiol supports the immune system and has a beneficial effect on resistance. Research has shown that cannabinoids reduce chronic inflammations such as arthritis and rheumatic pain. They probably suppress the substances that cause inflammation and stimulate the production of anti-inflammatory substances. Additionally, cannabidiol works well against tension and stress. By increasing resistance and reducing stress, cannabinoids support your horse in preventing laminitis.

Elimination of waste products

Because toxins in the bloodstream can contribute to the development of laminitis, it is important to keep sensitive horses as "clean" as possible, even if they have conditions like PPID or intestinal problems. Cannabinoids are powerful antioxidants and work against the accumulation of waste products such as mycotoxins. Cannabidiol also helps against allergic reactions, which cause an excess of histamine in the blood.

Conclusion: Cannabinoids good support for laminitis

Horses with laminitis can be supported with cannabinoids because these natural substances have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, cannabinoids bring the body into more balance by supporting the endocannabinoid system. This system ensures that all processes and organs work well together. Did you know that there are already 120 different cannabinoids known? The more, the broader the effect.

Sources:

Calignano A, La Rana G, Giuffrida A, Piomelli D. Nature. Control of pain initiation by endogenous cannabinoids. 1998 Jul 16;394(6690):277-81.
Read more

Gamble L-J, Boesch JM, Frye CW, Schwark WS, Mann S, Wolfe L, Brown H, Berthelsen ES and Wakshlag JJ (2018) Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of Cannabidiol Treatment in Osteoarthritic Dogs. Front. Vet. Sci. 5:165. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00165
Read more

Malfait AM, Gallily R, Sumariwalla PF, et al. The nonpsychoactive cannabis constituent cannabidiol is an oral anti-arthritic therapeutic in murine collagen-induced arthritis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2000;97(17):9561–9566. doi:10.1073/pnas.160105897
Read more

Klein TW. 2005. Cannabinoid-based drugs as anti-inflammatory therapeutics. Nat Rev Immunol. 2005 May;5(5):400-11.
Read more