My Horse University is presenting a webcast on January 29, 2013, at 7 PM EST on Risk Factors for Equine Metabolic Syndrome to be presented by Dr. Nichol Schultz of the University of Minnesota.
Hormones and horse health
Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) is characterized by obesity and/or regional accumulations of fat, insulin resistance, and increased susceptibility to laminitis.
Equine metabolic syndrome, occurs when certain cells in the body have reduced sensitivity to the action of the hormone insulin. A major function of insulin is to clear glucose from the bloodstream and deliver it into cells that need it for fuel. When this function is hampered, the body compensates by having the pancreas secrete more insulin, which leads to elevated levels in the blood
Insulin resistance is most commonly seen in horses age 6 and older, but it can appear at any age. The consequences of the condition are varied and complex, but the most dangerous and most common is laminitis.
The mechanisms by which insulin resistance triggers laminitis are not completely understood; because little research has been done, and veterinarians often turn to the scientific data that exist for other species. In addition to laminitis, horses with IR can manifest many of the same signs reported in people, including:
- Exercise intolerance
- Poor muscular development
- Ravenous appetite
- Fertility problems in females
- Excessive thirst
- Excessive urination
- Easy weight gain.
According to Dr. Juliet Getty, Equine Nutritionist, if your horse is battling laminitis or equine Cushing's disease, you should consider getting a joint supplement that does not contain glucosamine.
Ingredients such as MSM, chondroitin, hyaluronic acid, cetyl myristoleate, n-acetyl-l-carnitine, and orthosilicic acid are relatively safe. Horse owners may start with two basic ingredients--vitamin C and omega 3 fatty acids. These can be especially helpful in the older horse that no longer produces the same level of vitamin C as when younger. Vitamin C is used for collagen production (which covers and cushions the surfaces of opposing bones) and omega 3s are potent anti-inflammatory agents.
For more information about Equine Metabolic Syndrome sign up for a webcast to be presented by Dr. Nichol Schultz of the University of Minnesota.