Q&A for How to Help a Horse Recover from Founder

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  • Question
    Why would you have to put a horse down that had foundered?
    Maija Philip
    Community Answer
    If a horse has foundered, it becomes so painful for them to walk that they spend most of their time laying down or standing still. A horse is usually put down if it is obviously experiencing a lot of pain.
  • Question
    What about feeding masks?
    Community Answer
    Feeding masks can still let the horse graze. The best thing to do is to stall them and exercise regularly. That way you can measure feed. If you can't stall them, put the horse in a small area alone with little grass.
  • Question
    My mini has been battling laminitus now for 3 months. My farrier came to trim again yesterday and found that the hoof wall was separating. Is this serious enough to put her down?
    Community Answer
    This is not serious enough to put her down, but it can lead to a disease called "white line disease" which, in most cases, causes a fungus/bacteria to grow in the hoof cracks and makes it painful for the horse to walk. You should talk to your farrier about what's best to do for your horse. Sometimes it's best to let the hoof heal itself naturally, but some need extra attention.
  • Question
    Can I give a foundered horse Gatorade in his drinking water for hydration?
    Community Answer
    You should try to give a foundered horse nothing but hay and water until cleared by the vet. Ask your vet if Gatorade would be OK.
  • Question
    My sec B pony's hoof wall has started to separate. He is sound and perfect weight. He's on restricted grazing and only rugged when absolutely necessary. He did have laminitis a year ago though.
    Community Answer
    Just to be safe, and as he has had foot problems in the past, I would recommend you speak to your vet or farrier for advice before taking any action.
  • Question
    Should I run cold water over my horse's hooves for 12 hours?
    Taylor Watts
    Community Answer
    Horses at risk of founder should use large tubs or boots of cold water as soon as possible, before clinical signs are exhibited. However, if damage has already started in your horse's hooves, the result largely depends on what structural damage occurred. Your horse might stabilize and not get worse, but it also might not help at all. You can continue to keep your horse's hooves in cold water as long as you think your horse is at risk, as you don't have to worry about frostbite or other complications. The longer you can maintain treatment, the more likely you are to prevent founder or reduce the damage.
  • Question
    How long does it take for a horse to recover from founder?
    Taylor Watts
    Community Answer
    Many questions about founder don't have a definite answer, and this is one of them. Recovery time largely depends on the amount of damage done to the laminae, and sometimes, horses never fully recover. But if there is little to no rotation or damage to the coffin bone, the horse could have a full recovery in 6 to 8 weeks.
  • Question
    If my horse has minimal laminitis in front, then how long w ill the icing and medications be required, how long will it take to recover?
    GladystheBarrelBurner
    Community Answer
    Recovery time depends on your horse's health, age, weight, and exercise. Some horses can recover in a month or two, some may recover in 3+ months or even a year or so. Talk to your vet and ask what they think.
  • Question
    What is a good feed for a horse with founder?
    ReebokBeebok
    Community Answer
    Natural foods, such as grass and hay are good. However, you should definitely avoid corn, oats, and other sugars. The diet can be supplemented with oil or rice bran if your horse needs more energy.
  • Question
    I have a horse with founder. It's very bad, his coffin bone has dropped through the sole. If I do all the right things, can he fully recover?
    GreenEventing
    Top Answerer
    Probably not. I hate to break this to you, but if the coffin bone has completely gone through the hoof, then you will need to a) get him emergency help from a farrier and vet, and b) rethink your management practices for not noticing it sooner. You should be picking out the horse's hooves every single day, no exceptions. You will need attention to detail to get through this, and unfortunately for your horse, not having done this so far has resulted in the problem.
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