The pathophysiology of developmental and acute laminitis

This article is focused on defining the causes, predisposing factors, and m echanisms of developmental and acute laminitis. As such, this article lays the groundwork for prevention and clinical management of these difficult pa tients. The vascular, toxic/metabolic, and traumatic hypotheses, and the da ta and logic offered in support of them, are presented and compared. The cl inical consequences of the pathologic mechanisms operating in the acute pha se of laminitis are discussed relative to clinical signs and management.