Summary Lateromedial radiographic projections were made from the feet of 25 normal horses and 3 angles and 3 distances were measured. From these, normal ranges of calculated variables were obtained. The width and length of each foot and the height of the horse at the withers was also measured. In view of its possible importance in clinical laminitis, particular attention was paid to ‘founder’ distance (D). This is the vertical distance between the proximal limit of the dorsal hoof wall and the proximal limit of the extensor process of the distal phalanx. There were significant differences between breeds in D (P<0.05) and in wall thickness (P<0.01). Further studies investigated the effects of time, differing radiographic projections and different operators on D. D did not alter significantly (P>0.05) over a 6 week study period. It was concluded that errors due to radiographic beam obliquity were not of practical importance. Errors in measuring D between operators can be minimised by use of a standard radiographic technique. Although there was some variation in the value of D measured over time and with different operators, which could make the interpretation of early or subtle changes difficult, measurement variation was not considered to interfere with the assessment of large changes associated with severe laminitis.

Summary The significance of clinical and radiological parameters as prognostic indicators for laminitis, ‘founder’ and ‘sinking syndrome’ was studied using case records of 216 horses and ponies. Five animals were destroyed without treatment and were not included in the results of the study. One hundred and sixty‐two (77%) animals returned to athletic soundness; 7 animals (3%) did not regain full athletic function, 42 animals (20%) died or were destroyed. Cases were assigned to 4 groups on the basis of initial clinical examination alone. These groups were laminitis, acute founder, ‘sinker’ and chronic founder. This grouping was found in itself to be the most important prognostic parameter which was studied. Stepwise regression analysis of the data from animals by group indicated that the radiological measurement of founder distance, was the most significant radiological prognostic measurement for acute founder cases. Less significant prognostic parameters were the severity of lameness, rotation angles, the presence of solar prolapse, and the number of feet affected. The height of the animal at the withers was not significantly related to outcome. The prognosis for horses was not significantly different from that for ponies.

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