Laminitis Does Not Discriminate

Laminitis does not discriminate. Penn Vet Extra has the story of Alexandra Vinck, who lost her beloved horse, Dude, who carried her to the reserve championship in the walk-trot division and the championship in trails at the International Arabian Horse Show, to the dreaded disease.

"He was the sweetest, most loving horse, and would do anything you asked of him," said Alex.

Alex lives in Scottsdale, Arizona and that is where her horse was treated and ultimately euthanized when it spread to all four feet. "My mom and I loved him so much, that we would have done anything to save him, but there was nothing left to do," she said.

After the death of her beloved horse, Alex did some research on laminitis and learned about Penn Vet's effort to eradicate the disease. She was so impressed by their dedication that she and her girlfriend decided to ask their friends to substitute donations to Penn Vet's Laminitis Institute for gifts at their joint sweet sixteen party.

The two girls raised $1500. "My friends had seen how Dude's death affected me, and they were extremely generous," she said. In all, Alex has pledged $5000 to Penn Vet's Laminitis Institute.

Somewhere, we know that Barbaro is smiling.