By Annette de Vogel 

Laminitis is one of the most painful and life-threatening conditions a horse can experience. It's not just a problem with the hooves, but a sign that something is out of balance deep within the body.
In naturopathy we therefore look beyond the pain in the foot: we look for the underlying cause and support the animal's self-healing capacity.

Annette de Vogel, a naturopathic animal therapist with over 30 years of experience, has successfully treated countless horses with laminitis in her practice. With her background in Lecher antenna, CBDa oil, nutrition, homeopathy , and Chinese and Western herbs , she focuses on recovery from the ground up—the whole animal, not just the hoof.

What is laminitis?

Laminitis is an inflammation of the lamellar tissue in the hoof, the finely branched capillary network that connects the hoof wall to the hoof bone. This tissue acts as a shock absorber and allows the horse to walk comfortably.
Inflammation causes the tissue to swell and pressure to build up within the hoof, leading to severe pain and lameness . In severe cases, the hoof bone can even collapse.

The causes from a naturopathic perspective

Naturopathy takes a holistic approach to the development of laminitis. It's not a single factor, but a combination of diet, toxic stress, and organ dysfunction that leads to the problems.

1. Nutrition

Excessive sugars and starches in concentrates, hay, silage, or grass disrupt the intestinal flora. This leads to the production of endotoxins (toxins) that enter the bloodstream and cause inflammatory reactions, particularly in the hoof mechanism.
In addition, we see deficiencies in vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, zinc and selenium, which are essential for a healthy metabolism.

2. Liver load

The liver plays a key role in detoxification. When it becomes overloaded—due to medications, vaccinations, dewormers, or pesticides—the body can no longer efficiently eliminate waste products. These circulate in the blood and accumulate in the capillaries of the hoof, causing inflammation and pain.

3. Large intestine

Healthy intestinal flora is crucial. Dysbiosis (a disruption of the intestinal environment, particularly in the cecum) caused by excessive sugar intake or chemicals leads to the production of toxins that reach the hooves via the bloodstream. Horses may also exhibit diarrhea , muscle stiffness, and acidosis —signs of metabolic imbalance.

Symptoms of laminitis

• Walking with difficulty or with caution, especially on hard surfaces
• A stiff or swollen mane comb
• Pain when loading the forelegs (typical 'campfire position')
• Heated hooves or increased pulse in the pastern
• Hard, acidic muscles
• In some cases: diarrhea or decreased appetite

Recognizing these signs early is essential to prevent permanent damage.

Naturopathic treatment: recovery from within

The naturopathic approach doesn't focus on treating symptoms, but on restoring balance within the body. The goal is to improve circulation, detoxification, and energy flow , enabling the body to heal itself.

1. Dietary adjustment

• Food low in sugars and starch , rich in fibre and good quality roughage .
• Supplement with vitamins and minerals to replenish deficiencies and support cell metabolism.

2. Herbs and natural preparations

• Herbal tincture “Easing Balance” : has a pain-relieving effect, improves blood circulation and strengthens the blood vessel walls, particularly in the hoof mechanism.
• Chinese herbs are tailored to the individual horse to support the liver and intestines.
• Homeopathic remedies can be used to support hoof tissue and liver function.
• Applying green clay along the edge of the hoof improves blood circulation and also has a pain-relieving effect.

3. CBDa oil

Full Spectrum CBDa oil works through the endocannabinoid system , which influences inflammation, pain perception, and relaxation. CBDa also supports the liver and helps the body detoxify more effectively.

Hope in hopeless situations

Many horse owners only consult a naturopathic therapist when the situation seems serious—sometimes even "hopeless" by conventional standards. Yet, time and again, it's proven that the body possesses an enormous capacity for self-healing , provided it receives the right support.

By working on detoxification, nutrition, organ support, and energetic balance , even a horse that barely wants to walk can regain a quality of life. Recovery takes time, dedication, and patience, but the results can be impressive.

Finally

Laminitis requires a careful, individualized approach . Naturopathy offers valuable tools to support the horse from the ground up.
As Annette de Vogel often says:

“As long as the body’s vitality can be addressed — recovery can take place.”

About Annette de Vogel

Annette is a versatile naturopathic therapist and animal therapist with over 30 years of experience. She works from the Center for Alternative Veterinary Medicine in Amsterdam , where she treats animals daily with CBDa oil, the Lecher antenna, nutritional advice, and more.  and Western and Chinese herbs.

She's also co-owner of CBD & Herb. If you'd like to know more, please CONTACT us. We're happy to help you explore the possibilities nature has to offer.