The Disease of Obesity in Horses

Obesity causes a number of issues, from reproduction problems to bone and joint stress to insulin resistance and laminitis. The good news is it’s largely avoidable, because you control your horse’s portions and make his dietary choices for him.
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Equine obesity feeds several common maladies

Some people wonder, "Is obesity a disease?" The answer is it could be. Consider: In early March 2010, researchers at Emory University found that increased appetite and insulin resistance could be transferred from one mouse to another via intestinal bacteria, strengthening the case that intestinal bacteria–germs–can contribute to obesity and metabolic disease.

As the obesity/disease theory pertains to horses, Amanda A. Adams, PhD, of the University of Kentucky's Gluck Equine Research Center, says, "Obesity is a condition that is now described as a mild but chronic inflammatory state and thus is a key risk factor for developing a myriad of health conditions.

Let's take a closer look at how obesity feeds some common equine maladies

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Written by:

Marcia King is an award-winning freelance writer based in Ohio who specializes in equine, canine, and feline veterinary topics. She’s schooled in hunt seat, dressage, and Western pleasure.

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