🧊 Vet-Recommended Cold Therapy for Laminitis Prevention in Horses | 2025 Guide 🐴

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Laminitis is one of the most painful and devastating hoof conditions a horse can suffer—and one of the most challenging to manage. But thanks to advances in equine veterinary science, we now know there’s one standout method that truly works to prevent laminitis before it starts: cold therapy. In this in-depth 2025 guide, we’ll explore what cold therapy is, why it works, and how you can apply it properly to protect your horse. 🧊🐎

🔍 What Is Laminitis?

Laminitis is the inflammation of the sensitive laminae—the soft tissues that connect the hoof wall to the pedal bone (coffin bone) inside the horse’s hoof. When these tissues become inflamed, the bond between the hoof wall and bone weakens, causing intense pain and, in severe cases, rotation or sinking of the pedal bone.

It can be triggered by multiple underlying conditions including:

• ⚠️ Systemic inflammatory diseases (e.g., colitis, pneumonia)
• 🌾 Grain overload or sudden dietary changes
• 🐴 Endocrine disorders like Equine Cushing’s Disease or Equine Metabolic Syndrome
• ⚡ Excessive weight-bearing on one limb (supporting-limb laminitis)

No matter the cause, the outcome is the same—crippling pain, difficulty walking, and in many cases, long-term lameness. Prevention is critical. 💔

🧊 Why Cold Therapy Works

Research over the last two decades has confirmed that early and aggressive cryotherapy (cold therapy) can reduce the risk and severity of laminitis—especially when applied before clinical signs develop.

A pivotal study conducted by Australian researchers demonstrated that cooling the hoof to 33.8°F (1°C) continuously for 72 hours significantly reduced lamellar damage in horses at high risk of laminitis. ❄️

💡 How Cold Therapy Helps:

• 🔻 Slows down enzyme activity that leads to lamellar breakdown
• 🧬 Reduces the inflammatory cascade that damages tissues
• 🛡️ Provides pain relief and lowers metabolic demand

For horses with systemic illness, grain overload, or suspected endocrine issues, cold therapy should be initiated immediately as a proactive measure—not just in response to pain. ⏱️

🥶 Cold Therapy Techniques: What Really Works

Not all cooling methods are equally effective. In fact, many commercially available “convenient” solutions simply don’t keep the hoof cold enough for long enough to make a clinical difference. In one key study from Cornell University, three methods were tested:

1. Wader boots with ice slurry 🥾🧊
2. 5-liter IV bags filled with ice slurry 💉❄️
3. Commercial gel pack boots 🧊🚫

Results showed that only the ice slurry methods were able to maintain the necessary low temperatures (around 33.8°F or 1°C). The gel pack boots, though easier to use, failed to cool the hoof adequately. 😕

💪 DIY Ice Slurry Boot Setup

You don’t need fancy equipment to apply effective cold therapy. Here’s how to create a functional ice slurry setup at home:

• 🪣 Use waterproof boots like rubber waders or sturdy feed bags
• ❄️ Mix crushed ice with water in a 1:1 ratio (slurry texture)
• 🐴 Fill the boots high enough to cover the hoof and pastern
• ⏲️ Keep the slurry temperature between 32–35°F (0–1.7°C)
• 🔁 Refresh ice every 1–2 hours to maintain temperature

Important: Always monitor your horse for skin damage or discomfort, and ensure they’re supervised throughout therapy.

👨‍⚕️ When to Start Cold Therapy

The key to success is timing. Cold therapy is most effective when started before laminitis symptoms appear—especially in at-risk horses:

• 🏥 During systemic illness (e.g., retained placenta, pneumonia)
• 🍬 When blood tests indicate insulin dysregulation or Cushing’s
• 🐎 After a limb injury requiring weight offloading on the opposite hoof
• 🌾 After accidental grain overload or pasture binge

**Don’t wait for pain or lameness.** If your horse has a risk factor, act immediately. Ask your vet to help implement a 72-hour cold therapy plan.

🛠️ Tools & Equipment That Help

If you're managing multiple horses or want to streamline the process, consider:

• 🧤 Disposable gloves to handle ice comfortably
• 🚿 Hose access to clean and refill boots
• ⏱️ Thermometers to monitor slurry temperature
• 🪑 Comfortable stall setup for resting during treatment
• 🧴 Lanolin-based creams to prevent skin irritation

🔁 Managing the Labor-Intensive Side

Yes, the slurry method is labor-intensive. But it’s worth it. Here are some tips:

• 🧊 Prepare multiple ice bags and store in a freezer for easy swapping
• 🧍‍♂️ Rotate helpers if you’re working in shifts (especially overnight)
• 🪑 Use stall mats and hay for comfort during extended standing periods
• 🔔 Set timers for ice checks and horse assessments

Consider contacting your vet about professional support during high-risk periods. You can also use the Ask A Vet app 📱 to get real-time help on managing your cold therapy routine and tracking your horse’s progress. 🐴💬

🌿 Long-Term Laminitis Prevention Tips

Even outside acute situations, hoof health should be an everyday priority. Dr Duncan Houston recommends the following:

• 🍃 Maintain a low-sugar, low-starch diet
• 🔍 Regular hoof trims by a qualified farrier
• 💊 Manage insulin resistance and Cushing’s proactively
• ⚖️ Keep your horse at an optimal body condition score
• 🏇 Provide regular exercise and turnout

📲 Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston

Laminitis prevention is all about proactive care. Cold therapy stands out as a powerful, scientifically supported method that truly works—but only if applied early, consistently, and correctly. 💙

Whether you’re facing an emergency or just building your hoof health routine, don’t hesitate to ask for expert guidance. The Ask A Vet app is available 24/7 to answer questions, guide care, and connect you with qualified equine veterinarians. 🐎📲

✅ Key Takeaways

• 🧊 Cold therapy is the ONLY proven method to prevent laminitis in high-risk horses
• 🔍 Temperature must be maintained at 33.8°F (1°C) for 72 hours
• 🥾 Ice slurry boots or IV bags are most effective
• 🚫 Gel pack boots are not cold enough for reliable prevention
• ⏱️ Early action is critical—don’t wait for symptoms

Stay vigilant, stay informed, and give your horse the care they deserve—with expert help from AskAVet.com 🐴💙