Volume III: Laminitis, Hoof Tissue and Inflammation
Purpose
This volume examines the endocannabinoid system in the equine hoof and whether cannabinoid-related pathways could eventually become research targets for laminitis.
The research in this area is extremely early. Researchers have identified biological changes in hoof tissue, but cannabinoids have not been clinically proven to treat laminitis.
Study 1: Endocannabinoid Receptors in the Equine Hoof
Distribution of Endocannabinoid System Receptors in the Equine Hoof: Dysregulation as a Potential Therapeutic Target for Laminitis
Published: 2025
Type: Equine tissue study
PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40593311/
What researchers examined
Researchers studied lamellar tissue from:
- Healthy equine hooves
- Hooves affected by laminitis
They examined receptors and cellular targets associated with the endocannabinoid system.
What researchers found
Endocannabinoid-system receptors were present within equine lamellar tissue. Their distribution or expression differed between healthy and laminitic tissue, suggesting that endocannabinoid signaling may be altered during laminitis.
Why this matters
Laminitis involves inflammation, cellular injury and failure of the structures connecting the hoof wall to the coffin bone.
Changes in endocannabinoid signaling may help researchers understand:
- Inflammatory regulation
- Pain signaling
- Lamellar-cell survival
- Tissue repair
- Disease progression
What this does not prove
The study did not show that:
- CBD prevents laminitis
- THC treats laminitis
- A topical balm reaches the hoof lamellae
- Cannabinoids restore damaged lamellar attachments
- Cannabis should replace emergency veterinary treatment
Responsible conclusion
The equine hoof contains components of the endocannabinoid system, and these components appear to become dysregulated during laminitis. This identifies a potential research target, not an established treatment.
Study 2: Cannabinoid-Related Targets in Equine Fibroblasts
Cannabinoid and Cannabinoid-Related Receptors in Fibroblasts Derived From Equine Tissues
Published: 2025
Type: Equine cell study
Why fibroblasts matter
Fibroblasts are cells involved in:
- Producing connective tissue
- Maintaining extracellular matrix
- Responding to injury
- Tissue repair and remodeling
- Inflammatory signaling
Researchers identified cannabinoid and cannabinoid-related receptors in equine fibroblasts, adding evidence that the equine endocannabinoid system may influence tissue maintenance and healing pathways.
Important limitation
Cell studies show that a biological interaction is possible. They do not establish an effective treatment, dose, delivery method or clinical outcome in a living horse.
Current Status of Cannabinoids and Laminitis
What is supported
- Equine lamellar tissue contains endocannabinoid-system receptors.
- Receptor patterns may change in laminitis.
- Endocannabinoid signaling may participate in inflammation and tissue regulation.
What remains unknown
- Whether CBD or THC improves laminitis outcomes
- Whether cannabinoids reduce hoof pain
- Whether topical application can penetrate the hoof capsule
- Whether cannabinoids affect insulin-associated laminitis
- Whether cannabinoid treatment could interfere with other medications
- What dose would be safe
- Whether any treatment would improve coffin-bone stability or lamellar attachment
Evidence-based statement
Researchers have discovered endocannabinoid-system changes in laminitic equine hoof tissue. These findings may open new avenues for studying inflammation and healing, but no cannabinoid treatment has been clinically validated for laminitis.