The Isolated Haemoperfused Cow Limb as a Model for Studying the Pathogenesis of Bovine Laminitis

According to many authors, laminitis is regarded as the most important predisposing factor for the development of lameness (GREENOUGH, 1985; BOOSMANN, 1991; LISCHER, 1994; COLLICK, 1997). Nevertheless, the pathomechanisms of laminitis in cattle are still poorly understood. Many theories, whose experimental proof are still pending, exist. The knowledge on the pathophysiology of equine laminitis derives extensively from animal experiments. Animal experiments, however, are problematic under ethical and economical considerations ...