Method for treatment of laminitis in animals

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to methods for treating the sequela of laminitis in hoofed animals. Benefits are obtained by administering to the animals to be treated injections of Botulinum Toxin in the limb to be treated. In one embodiment, about 100 Units to 600 Units of Type A Botulinum Toxin is injected in multiple injections into the flexor digitorum profundus muscle of an animal's affected limb.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]Not ApplicableSTATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not ApplicableMICROFICHE APPENDIX[0003]Not ApplicableBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]1. Field of the Invention[0005]This invention relates to laminitis in animals. More specifically, the invention comprises a method of treating the sequela of laminitis in animals, particularly horses.[0006]2. Description of the Related Art[0007]Laminitis is a serious medical condition in horses and other hoofed animals, and despite significant advances in veterinarian medicine, remains a major reason for euthanasia of such animals. Laminitis is an inflammation of the lamina (the lamellar attachment between the distal phalanx (coffin bone) and the inner hoof wall. Laminitis is characterized by separation of the hoof wall from the distal phalanx due to the deterioration and detachment of the lamina, which holds the two together. Failure of the laminar attachments, in a majo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0017]The rotation of this distal phalanx (coffin bone) may be due to a metabolic disturbance (such as carbohydrate load) or to a discrepancy between the strength of the epidermal laminae and the load they have to support. The forces of the deep digital flexor tendon on the palmar aspect of the digital phalanx are thought to contribute to the tearing of the laminar membrane in the toe region. To ease the tension of the deep digital flexor tendon, thereby reducing the pull on the distal phalanx and preventing further laminar tearing or displacement of the distal phalanx the method of the present invention can be implemented.

[0019]Because mechanical failure of the dorsal lamina may result in separation of the distal phalanx from the hoof wall, the method of treatment of the present invention may be directed at relieving the tensile forces acting on the bone, which contribute to this separation. Reducing the pull of the deep digital flexor tendon on the palmar aspect of the distal phalanx theoretically reduces the shear forces on the lamina which attaches the dorsal surface of the distal phalanx to the hoof wall. The relaxation of the deep digital flexor tendon may preserve laminar perfusion. If the tensile forces acting on the distal phalanx are relieved, in the acute stage of the condition, it may prevent the distal phalanx from displacing and entering the chronic phase. If the displacement of the distal phalanx can be prevented a horse has a good chance of recovery. Where a horse has entered the chronic phase the distal phalanx is displaced downward and compresses the sole corium altering the architectural development of the hoof capsule. It is hypothesized that by relaxing the deep digital flexor tendon the distal phalanx will re-align with relation to the ground surface and the hoof capsule can begin to regenerate itself. The goal is to allow the hoof to reestablish normal orientation of the distal phalanx and maintain that orientation without the aid of the clinical relaxation of the deep digital flexor tendon that this treatment provides. Relieving the tensile forces acting on the distal phalanx is accomplished by injecting the flexor muscles of the animal with Botulinum Toxin Type A.

Problems solved by technology

This inflammation may lead to separation of the epidermal lamina from the dermal lamina associated with the distal phalanx (coffin bone) often resulting in the rotation or sinking of the distal phalanx within the hoof capsule.

First, the tightening may compromise the blood flow through the dorsal lamina.

The decrease in blood flow may cause decreased laminar perfusion.

With a decrease in laminar perfusion lamina tissue is deprived of nutrients and is weakened and more subject to tearing.

Second, the tightening of the deep digital flexor tendon on the palmar aspect of the digital phalanx creates a force which pulls the laminar membrane away from the digital phalanx or hoof wall.

The pull of the deep digital flexor tendon on the distal phalanx often causes the distal phalanx to become displaced as the opposing force of the laminar attachment is impaired.