laminitis

noun

lam·​i·​ni·​tis ˌla-mə-ˈnī-təs 

: inflammation of and damage to the laminae (see lamina sense 4) and coffin bone in the hoof of a domesticated animal (such as a horse or cow) that is typically caused by poor diet, obesity, or diseases associated with inflammation : founder entry 3

Complications linked to obesity in horses can be debilitating, such as the condition laminitis. This leads to inflammation and swelling in the hooves, causing extreme pain, and can be fatal.

—Phoebe Southworth

Examples of laminitis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Perry, the 30-year-old donkey, fought pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, laminitis, arthritis and muscle atrophy leading up to his death. —Krystal Nurse, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2025

The 30-year-old Perry was euthanized on Jan. 2 following a battle with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, laminitis, arthritis and muscle atrophy, said Jenny Kiratli, lead handler with the Barron Park Donkey Project. —Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 6 Jan. 2025

He was euthanized after developing laminitis following surgery in August. —John Cherwa, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2023

The Times excludes deaths due to colic, laminitis, neurological or other issues unless directly tied to racing or training. —John Cherwa, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2023

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for laminitis

• adenitis
• arteritis
• blepharitis
• cervicitis
• cholangitis
• choroiditis
• decubitus
• dermatitis
• fasciitis
• gingivitis
• hepatitis
• iritis

Medical Definition

laminitis

noun

lam·​i·​ni·​tis ˌlam-ə-ˈnīt-əs 

: inflammation of and damage to the laminae (see lamina sense b) and coffin bone in the hoof of a domesticated animal (such as a horse or cow) that is typically caused by poor diet, obesity, or diseases associated with inflammation : founder entry 2