Laminitis is an extremely painful condition affecting the tissues that support the pedal bone inside the hoof. It can develop quickly, and the early signs are not always dramatic. Knowing what is normal for your horse and acting on small changes can make an important difference.If you suspect laminitis, call your vet immediately. Laminitis should always be treated as an emergency. Do not wait for the horse to develop the well-known rocked-back stance and do not force a reluctant horse to walk.Early warning signs of laminitisSome horses show several signs at once, while others initially display only a subtle change in movement or behaviour. Warning signs can include:a strong or bounding digital pulse at the back of the fetlock;a shortened, stiff or pottery stride;reluctance to walk, turn tightly or pick up a foot;greater discomfort on hard or stony ground and a preference for softer surfaces;repeatedly shifting weight from one foot to another;standing unusually, sometimes with the forefeet placed further forward;spending more time lying down;abnormal heat around the hoof wall or coronet; anda change in behaviour or temperament that may indicate pain.The classic stancerocking back to take weight off the front feetoccurs in fewer than half of diagnosed cases according to the British Horse Society (BHS). Hoof warmth on its own does not prove that a horse has laminitis either. A vet needs to assess the complete picture.What to do immediatelyCall your vet. Describe every change you have noticed, when it began and whether more than one foot appears affected.Do not force movement. Unnecessary walking can cause further damage to already weakened tissues inside the hoof.Move the horse only when it is safe. The BHS advises moving a horse that can walk to a nearby stable or shelter. If the horse cannot walk, keep them comfortable where they are, restrict movement and access to grass, and wait for veterinary instructions.Prepare a deep bed if the horse is stabled. The BHS recommends a deep bed, ideally shavings, to help support the feet while awaiting the vet.Do not improvise treatment. Give medication, apply hoof supports or make sudden dietary changes only under veterinary direction.When speaking to the vet, mention any previous laminitis, diagnosed or suspected Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID or Cushing's disease), recent illness, retained placenta, injury to another limb, medication, changes in grazing or accidental access to feed. This information may help the vet assess urgency and possible causes.How to prepare the stableIf the horse can be moved safely and the vet wants them stabled, the aim is to minimise unnecessary movement and provide a supportive, comfortable surface. Follow the vet's instructions for the individual horse, but useful preparation may include:creating a deep, level bed across the area the horse will use.removing bare or thin patches that could leave the feet unsupported;keeping the bedding dry, clean and free from ammonia build-up;placing water and prescribed forage where they can be reached without unnecessary movement;keeping the stable calm, well ventilated and free from avoidable disturbance; andmaking sure everyone caring for the horse understands the movement, feeding and medication instructions.Do not encourage a sore horse to move so that the stable can be tidied. Ask the vet how to manage the bed when strict confinement or minimal movement is required.Why shavings may be recommendedA deep shavings bed can settle around the foot and provide cushioning beneath the sole and frog. It also gives the horse a comfortable surface for lying down. The bed needs to remain level and sufficiently deep rather than becoming thin, compacted or uneven.Bedmax Shavings are purpose-made pine shavings containing a mixture of large, medium and smaller flakes. Bedmax designs this structure to create a resilient, supportive bed while allowing moisture to move away from the surface. The shavings are dried to a controlled moisture level and dust-extracted during production.Bedmax bedding does not treat laminitis and is not a substitute for veterinary or farriery care. Its role is to help create the stable environment prescribed for the horse. Follow the current Bedmax set-up instructions as well as any different requirements given by your vet.Our guide to creating a comfortable stable during box rest covers bedding, hygiene, ventilation and routine in more detail. You can also compare Bedmax with other options in our horse bedding collection.What happens after the vet arrives?The vet will assess the horse's posture, movement, digital pulses and response to hoof pressure. X-rays may be needed to examine the position of the pedal bone. Treatment can include pain relief, box rest, dietary management and hoof support, with the vet and farrier working together.Finding the underlying cause is an important part of reducing the chance of another episode. Hormonal conditions such as EMS and PPID are strongly associated with laminitis, but inflammatory illness and abnormal weight-bearing can also be responsible. Management therefore needs to be based on the individual diagnosis rather than assuming that grass was the only cause.For longer-term prevention, read our separate guide to laminitis risk and seasonal grass changes. If a suitable diet has already been discussed with your vet or nutritionist, our Pure Feed guide for laminitis-prone horses compares three different feeding formats and their daily feeding rates.Frequently asked questionsShould I walk a horse with suspected laminitis?No. Do not force a reluctant horse to walk. Call your vet immediately and follow their instructions about movement or transport.Does a warm hoof mean laminitis?Not by itself. Hoof temperature can vary normally, but unusual heat accompanied by a strong digital pulse, altered gait, weight shifting or reluctance to turn requires prompt veterinary advice.Can a farrier diagnose laminitis?Suspected laminitis requires immediate veterinary assessment. The farrier can play an essential part in hoof support and longer-term treatment, working with the vet after diagnosis.Can supportive bedding cure laminitis?No. A deep, stable bed may support comfort and the feet during veterinary treatment or prescribed box rest, but it cannot diagnose, prevent or cure laminitis.This article provides general information and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. It was informed by the British Horse Society's laminitis guidance and Bedmax's supplier article on spring grass, laminitis and supportive bedding. If you suspect laminitis, contact your vet immediately.