Does your horse struggle with metabolic disease (EMS)? Maybe laminitis? How would you know?

Does your horse struggle with metabolic disease (EMS)? Maybe laminitis?  

How would you know?? 

Horses with metabolic disease tend to have cresty necks and regional adiposity. This means they deposit fat in specific places, like under the mane, behind the shoulder, or above the tail head. Typical breeds are ponies, Arabians, Morgans, and Andalusians but any breed can develop the disease.  

The hallmark of the disease is insulin dysregulation. They tend to have abnormally high insulin levels because their cells are insulin resistant (don't respond). Insulin is the hormone that tells cells to uptake glucose. If the cells don't respond to insulin, glucose stays in the blood and is not properly utilized. Because the body can't use glucose as energy, it tries to break down fat. Free fatty acids then course through the blood stream, overwhelming the liver, and eventually settle into random fat deposits around the body (regional adiposity).  

Why is this important? 

1. Laminitis  

2. One of the most significant and potentially devastating outcomes of untreated EMS is laminitis  

3. Experimentally, high blood insulin concentrations lead to laminitis   

4. Insulin dysregulation can decrease nitric oxide production and promote vasoconstriction, decreasing blood flow to the foot.  

5. Progression of Insulin Dysregulation  

6. Hyperinsulinemia (abnormally high insulin levels) persists and may exacerbate other health issues 

7. Obesity and Associated Problems  

8. Increased overall body weight and regional fat deposits 

9. This puts excessive strain on joints and stress on the feet 

10. Potential liver problems due to excessive fat accumulation 

11. When obesity develops, adipose tissues elaborate leptin and other adipokines, as well as tumor necrosis factor and other inflammatory mediators.   

12. Quality of Life 

13. Lethargy and reduced exercise tolerance 

14. Chronic pain  

What can you do to help? 

1. Diet  

2. Limit total calorie intake to promote weight loss in overweight horses 

3. Feed a forage-based diet with low-sugar, low-starch hay 

4. Exercise 

5. Implement a regular exercise program to improve insulin sensitivity and promote weight loss 

6. Start with short, low-intensity sessions and gradually increase duration and intensity 

7. For horses recovering from laminitis, begin with hand-walking and progress slowly. Consult with a veterinarian for the best option for your horse.  

8. Medications 

9. Levothyroxine sodium: Accelerates weight loss and improves insulin sensitivity 

10. Metformin: May decrease postprandial glucose and insulin concentrations 

Are there any natural options? 

1. Fenugreek  

2. Slow glucose absorption 

3. Improve insulin response 

4. Reduce inflammation 

5. Support fat digestion 

6. Cinnamon  

7. Normalize blood sugar levels 

8. Enhance insulin sensitivity 

9. Turmeric  

10. Helps lower inflammation levels and supports gut health 

11. Rosehip 

12. Vitamin C and bioflavonoids to support connective tissue health 

If you think your horse would benefit from these powerful natural alternatives, let us help! We have all of these products and many more, ready to be expertly combined to suit your horse’s needs.