Maggot Debridement Therapy for Laminitis

Authors
Scott Morrison
Date
August 2010
Journal
Veterinary Clinics of North America Equine Practice
Volume
26
Number
2
Pages
447-450

Maggot debridement therapy is a nontraumatic, minimally invasive method to treat infections in a foot compromised by chronic laminitis. A mechanical strategy must first be in place to address the instability of the distal phalanx and hoof capsule. Adverse reactions to maggot debridement therapy are uncommon and the only side effect observed has been irritation or hypersensitivity at the site. Chronic laminitic cases of sepsis/necrosis within the hoof benefit from this procedure due to the noninvasive, continuous debridement and healing properties provided by the larvae.