Risk factors
Whilst diet has long been known to be linked to laminitis, there is emerging evidence that breed and body condition also play a role. Levels of hormones, particularly adiponectin, and serum insulin are also implicated, opening up new possibilities for developing early prognostic tests and risk assessments. Diagnosis
Early diagnosis is essential to effective treatment. However, early outward signs may be fairly nonspecific. Careful physical examination typically is diagnostic, but radiographs are also very useful. Clinical signs
Increased temperature of the wall, sole and/or coronary band of the foot
A pounding pulse in the digital palmar artery
Anxiety and visible trembling
Increased vital signs and body temperature
Sweating
Flared nostrils
Walking very tenderly, as if walking on egg shells
Repeated "easing" of affected feet, i.e. constant shifting of weight
Lameness with a positive response to hoof testers at the toe
The horse stands in a "founder stance" in attempt to decrease the load on the affected feet. If it has laminitis in the front hooves, it will bring its hind legs underneath its body and put its fore legs out in front. In cases of sinking, the horse stands with all four feet close together, like a circus elephant.
Gastric erosion occurs when the mucous membrane lining the stomach becomes inflamed. Specifically, the term "erosion," in this context means damage that is limited to the mucosa (which consists of three distinct layers: The epithelium (in the case of a healthy stomach, this is non-ciliated simple columnar epithelium), basement membrane, and lamina propria). An erosion is different from an ulcer. An "ulcer" is an area of damage to the gastrointestinal wall (in this case the gastric wall) that extends deeper through the wall than an erosion (an ulcer can extend anywhere from beyond the lamina propria to right through the wall, potentially causing a perforation). See gastrointestinal wall. Some drugs, as tablets, can irritate this mucous membrane, especially drugs taken for arthritis and muscular disorders, steroids, and aspirin. A gastric erosion may also occur because of emotional stress, or as a side effect of burns or stomach injuries. See acute gastritis. Symptoms
There is basically one symptom of gastric erosion: bleeding from the area where the stomach lesion is. Bowel movements may contain blood. Vomit may be bloody as well, but a gastric erosion may not cause vomiting. Blood may be black because it will be partially digested. Loss of blood may cause one to develop anemia. Risks
Anemia and other problems related to blood loss may occur. Sometimes a person with a gastric erosion will experience severe bleeding all at once; red (bloody) vomiting and/or black bowel movements may occur. Sources
"Gastric Erosion." Encyclopædia Britannica, Micropaedia. Encyclopædia Britannica Inc., 1998 ed.