Metabolic Management
Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) has recently gained a great deal of publicity. It is a disorder of carbohydrate metabolism often seen in overweight, middle-aged horses and ponies and is commonly associated with severe laminitis.
EMS is characterised foremost by insulin resistance, defined as a peculiar physiological response to the ingestion of foods that are eventually broken down to glucose or other sugar molecules. Abundant in certain feedstuffs commonly fed to horses, glucose causes a normal state of hyperglycaemic or elevated sugar in the blood. Ultimately, a condition of glucotoxity (too much sugar) arises and this significantly increases the risk of laminitis developing. EMS may explain why some domestic ponies are so prone to obesity and furthermore, laminitis.
By far the most important aspect of controlling this condition is a contribution of diet and exercise; no drugs have been shown to improve the condition.
COMMON SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF EMS:
• Loss of muscle tone.
• A definite increase in risk of laminitis.
• Increased risk of colic.
• Depression.
• A serious drop in energy levels.
• Immune system deficiency- possibly leading to respiratory and skin infections and definitely an increase in the frequency of hoof abscesses and bruised soles.
• Hair and coat grow unnaturally long and sheds very slowly.
EMS, obesity and insulin insensitivity might be prevented with a little feeding education. Allen & Page Horse Feeds recommend you feed a diet high in fibre and based on hay. Feeds that have a Non Structural Carbohydrate (NSC) Analysis (glucose, fructose, sucrose, fructan and starch) of less than 10% can be well tolerated by insulin resistant horses. Supplements containing antioxidants, magnesium and chromium may also help by increasing insulin sensitivity. Unfortunately, grass, cereals and succulents such as apples and carrots are bad.
For more help and advice on how to feed a horse with EMS, simply call the Allen & Page Helpline on 01362 822902, email helpline@allenandpage.co.uk. We can help you to help your horse.
