Laminitis is inflammation of which region?

• A. Infection of the hoof between the hoof wall and frog
• B. Inflammation of the horse's hoof between the hoof wall and coffin bone; a very painful disorder that can become a chronic condition that causes abnormal hoof growth
• C. Inflammation of the pastern joint
• D. Fracture of the coffin bone

Answer: (B)

Laminitis is inflammation of the laminae, the tissues that suspend the coffin bone inside the hoof. These laminae form the connection between the hoof wall and the coffin bone, and when they become inflamed the attachments weaken, causing severe pain and lameness. If the condition progresses, the coffin bone can rotate or sink relative to the hoof wall, and chronic damage can lead to abnormal hoof growth. This description matches the idea of inflammation located between the hoof wall and the coffin bone and notes its potential to become a long‑term, painful problem with hoof abnormalities. Other hoof issues involve infections between the hoof wall and frog, inflammation of a joint in the pastern area, or a fracture of the coffin bone, which are not laminitis.