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Skip Navigation LinksAll Horse Topics > Ailments/Syndromes > Metabolic Syndrome


Articles ( * = TheHorse.com members only )Date Posted
Remember Seasonal Variation in Cushing's Testing   *
Diagnosing equine Cushing's disease (pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, or PPID) in horses or ponies not showing the "full blown" disease is complicated and frustrating. "To accurately diagnose PPID in the early stages of disease, monitor the progression of the condition, or response to treatment, we require accurate endocrine tests," said Jill ... Read full story
 10/22/2009
Prevent Weight Gain to Minimize Metabolic Changes in Horses   *
Weight gain and obesity in horses should be avoided to prevent insulin resistance, increased insulin and leptin blood levels, and laminitis, and to maintain a healthy metabolic state. To date, "it is unknown whether obesity is the primary cause of or contributes to metabolic abnormalities or whether these abnormalities are inherent characteristics ... Read full story
 10/16/2009
Insulin Resistance: Variation in Blood Test Levels   *
A blood sample is usually a key step in diagnosing a horse as insulin resistant. But a recent study showed that one sample might not give enough information because the horse’s blood sugar and insulin fluctuates daily. "Your veterinarian should probably take at least two samples on different days," recommended Shannon E. Pratt, PhD, of North Carolina ... Read full story
 10/14/2009
TheHorse.com en Español: AAEP 2008 Causas de Laminitis  *
This is one of a series of articles translated as part of our partnership with A Caballo, an equine publication based in Mexico, and Jorge Murga, DVM. Keep an eye on TheHorse.com for more Spanish-language resources coming soon. Read this article in English. Preguntas o comentarios en español puede ser enviado a News@TheHorse.com. En la convención ... Read full story
 10/7/2009
TheHorse.com en Español: Síndrome Metabólico Equino   *
This is one of a series of articles translated as part of our partnership with A Caballo, an equine publication based in Mexico, and Jorge Murga, DVM. Keep an eye on TheHorse.com for more Spanish-language resources coming soon. Read this article in English. Preguntas o comentarios en español puede ser enviado a News@TheHorse.com. Síndrome ... Read full story
 10/6/2009
Equine Metabolic Syndrome a Focus of Research  *
The Equine Science Society Symposium (ESS) is a gathering place for researchers involved in all aspects of equine health and well-being. For more than two decades, Kentucky Equine Research (KER) has presented findings from its nutrition and exercise physiology studies. At this year's event, more than 160 studies were presented at this symposium in ... Read full story
 8/25/2009
Laminitis Risk Increased by Pasture Grass Sugars  *
Pasture-induced laminitis (sometimes referred to as founder) can be triggered when susceptible horses ingest high amounts of sugar or fructans that are naturally found in some pasture grasses. Susceptible horses include, but are not limited to, overweight or easy keeping horses, ponies, horses with metabolic syndrome, and horses that have foundered ... Read full story
 6/29/2009
Researchers Track Body Condition, Metabolic Conditions by Discipline   *
The sport in which horses participate often dictates the body condition in which they are maintained. Polo ponies are typically sleek and trim, their fitness evident in a tight, tucked-up appearance. The same can be said of most racehorses. Pleasure horses, those mounts used to poke around trails and forests, are sometimes softer and less muscular, ... Read full story
 6/16/2009
Preventing Metabolic Disorders through Early Nutrition   *
Maternal nutrition and early foal nutrition could impact the development of the organs and systems that control energy metabolism later in life, suggest the authors of a recent research report. "In other species, it has been demonstrated that maternal diet has important implications on the metabolic status of the offspring," explained equine nutritionist ... Read full story
 6/12/2009
Metformin a Therapy in Progress for Equine Insulin Resistance   *
Oregon State Researchers suggest that a low bioavailability and a rapid rate of elimination of the drug metformin might explain the "varied reports of clinical success" for improving insulin sensitivity in horses. Metformin is an oral antihyperglycemic drug used to treat type-2 diabetes mellitus in humans. It also appears to increase insulin sensitivity ... Read full story
 5/25/2009
UK Incidence of Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy Reported  *
Not only is polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM) a common and important muscular disorder in various horse breeds in the United States, but according to a recent research report, it is also a common diagnosis in horses in the United Kingdom. In the study, "Prevalence of equine polysaccharide storage myopathy and other myopathies in two equine populations ... Read full story
 5/21/2009
Study: Starch Limitation Key for Short-Term Blood Sugar Control  *
To better control blood sugar and insulin levels, horse owners are encouraged to limit starch intake in their animals, rather than only supplementing their horse's diet with fats, recommends Ingrid Vervuert, DrMedVet, PhD, and colleagues from the Institute of Animal Nutrition in Leipzig, Germany. "Controlling post-prandial (post-feeding) sugar and ... Read full story
 4/22/2009
Table Topic: Cushing's or Metabolic Syndrome?
Recognizing and treating the horse with endocrine disease was the focus of the lively discussion at the table topic "Cushing's or Metabolic Syndrome?" The session, which was held at the 2008 American Association of Equine Practitioners convention, held Dec. 6-10 in San Diego, Calif., started off with definitions and clinical descriptions of the two ... Read full story
 4/17/2009
Insulin Resistance and Layup Time
Q: My 18-year-old Percheron/ Morgan gelding was diagnosed with insulin resistance. Just prior to being confined to stall rest for a connective tissue injury, his insulin was 67 microIU/mL. The vet did a dexamethasone suppression test to rule out pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), and it was well within normal bounds. After a six-month layup ... Read full story
 4/1/2009
New Equine Fact Sheets Available on TheHorse.com   *
TheHorse.com now offers additional Fact Sheets on topics our readers have indicated are important to them based on searched terms, reader views on that topic, surveys/polls, and personal communications. Following are the newest Fact Sheets now available on TheHorse.com: Botulism sponsored by Neogen Corporation Respiratory System sponsored by ... Read full story
 3/6/2009
New Fact Sheets Available on TheHorse.com  *
TheHorse.com launched the first in a series of Fact Sheets on Jan. 13 to widespread acclaim. This week we present more Fact Sheets on topics that our readers have indicated are important to them based on searched terms, reader views on that topic, surveys/polls, and personal communications. Following are the newest Fact Sheets now available on TheHorse.com: ... Read full story
 2/2/2009
Diabetic Foal: Human Glucose Monitor Attempt Fails  *
A continuous glucose monitoring device normally used in humans has proven no match for the typical foal antics of Justin Credible, a foal with the first recorded case of type-1 diabetes. Owners David and Monica Hufana had hoped to use the monitor, which has a sensor that sits under the skin, to help them keep track of Justin Credible's glucose levels ... Read full story
 1/12/2009
Teff Hay for Foundered Horses: A Good Fit?   *
In California, teff is being called the "perfect grass for foundered horses." But is teff hay always safe for horses that are intolerant of high-sugar forage? Teff grass (Eragrostis teff) is a new type of grass being introduced around the world for hay production. Originally from the highlands of Ethiopia, there are different varieties grown for grain ... Read full story
 12/22/2008
Human Medical Tools Might Help Foal Live with Diabetes  *
High-tech medical devices normally reserved for humans might prove helpful in managing the health of Justin Credible, the colt with the first documented case of type-1 diabetes. Under the guidance of their treating veterinarian, owners David and Monica Hufana of Carlisle, Ky., are working with two companies--Insulet and DexCom--to develop a system ... Read full story
 12/18/2008
Kentucky Colt with Type-1 Diabetes Might Be First  *
A colt born with type-1 diabetes might be the first documented equine case of the illness, according to his veterinarian, Nathan Slovis, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, of Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in Lexington, Ky. The Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse, aptly named Justin Credible (his owners say the name was picked out before he was born), was born on Oct. ... Read full story
 12/3/2008
No Sugarcoating: Diagnosing and Managing the Insulin-Resistant Horse   *
Insulin resistance can lead to Type II diabetes in people. In horses, it can lead to what is called equine metabolic syndrome (EMS). "We have diagnosed five or six horses (with EMS) here at Washington State University's Veterinary Teaching Hospital during the past year," said Nicki Wise, DVM, a WSU second-year equine medicine resident. "Most presented ... Read full story
 10/19/2008
ACVIM Conference Highlights  *
Among the hot topics this year were nutritional supplements, infectious disease, and metabolism problems. What do nutritional supplements, infectious diseases, and snake bites have in common? All were considered "hot topics" in equine health at the 2008 American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) Forum held at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention ... Read full story
 10/1/2008
Diagnosing Insulin Resistance: Q&A with Researchers  *
Over the past few years researchers have described a strong association between insulin resistance and laminitis in equines. They are working now on defining standard testing protocols and interpretations to identify horses at highest risk for laminitis. Many questions remain unanswered. How should insulin resistance be defined and diagnosed? How do ... Read full story
 8/28/2008
Big-Boned Beastie
Q: My 9-year-old Missouri Fox Trotter gelding has steadily put on weight throughout his life, even though he is exercised two to three times a week on the trail at working gaits. He is free-fed Bermuda grass hay (not coastal) and no supplements, but he has developed a crest and fatty deposits on his body. My veterinarian tested his thyroid levels, ... Read full story
 8/1/2008
ACVIM: Causes and Management of Insulin Resistance and Sensitivity  *
Insulin sensitivity and insulin resistance in horses have become increasingly important areas of research in equine medicine over the past several years, as evidenced by the timely and popular presentations at this year's American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) Forum, held June 4-7 in San Antonio, Texas. Rebecca Carter, a PhD candidate ... Read full story
 7/23/2008
GetSmart Series: Managing Insulin Resistance   *
Does your horse have a cresty neck? Does he gain weight on air? Does he develop laminitis at the mere sight of spring grass? If so, your horse could have insulin resistance. Lydia F. Gray, DVM, MA, medical director/staff veterinarian for SmartPak presented a lecture on managing this condition at the SmartPak retail store in Natick, Mass., on March ... Read full story
 4/7/2008
Feeding Horses with Endocrine Disorders   *
Nicholas Frank, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, associate professor of large animal clinical sciences at the University of Tennessee, spoke about equine endocrine disorders that are the most manageable by dietary control. There are two main endocrine disorders to address: equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) and equine Cushing's disease (ECD or pituitary pars intermedia ... Read full story
 4/5/2008
Dangerous Liaisons: Cytokines, Inflammation, and Insulin Resistance  *
Systemically or critically ill horses, such as those with sepsis (a whole-body inflammatory state caused by infection), might have a better chance of survival if their insulin is controlled, researchers from the University of Kentucky's Gluck Equine Research Center reported earlier this month. Insulin resistance, the body's inability to control blood ... Read full story
 1/31/2008
Thyroid Supplement Effective Addition to Equine Weight Loss Program  *
Researchers from Tennessee recently reported that daily administration of a high dose of levothyroxine sodium--a synthetic thyroid hormone supplement--for 48 weeks resulted in significant weight loss and an improvement in horses' insulin sensitivity. Insulin resistance, the failureof body tissues to respond appropriately to normal levels of insulin ... Read full story
 1/24/2008
Carb Testing Program for Horse Feed and Hay Introduced   *
When it comes to horses, what does "low carb" mean? Lower than what? "There are several analytical procedures that measure sugar, and each one measures a slightly different fraction," said Kathryn Watts, owner of Rocky Mountain Research & Consulting, Inc. and Safergrass.org. "Samples analyzed by different testing labs may not provide a fair comparison ... Read full story
 10/30/2007
Healthy Horses: Endocrine System Function and Flaws  *
Horses suffer from few endocrine disorders compared to humans and companion animals; however, they're not totally off the hook, explained Emily Graves, VMD, MS, Dipl. ACVIM, of Michigan State University, to horse owners in attendance at the Healthy Horses Workshop held in Ft. Collins, Colo., on July 28. The endocrine system is a very complex system ... Read full story
 9/25/2007
The Role of Obesity in Insulin Resistance  *
"Not all obese individuals are insulin-resistant, and not all IR-affected horses are obese. But IR-associated medical problems are more likely to develop in concert with obesity in individuals born with IR," said Nat Messer, DVM, Dipl. ABVP, an associate professor of equine medicine and surgery at the University of Missouri, at the 2006 AAEP Convention. ... Read full story
 8/4/2007
Obesity, Insulin Resistance, and Laminitis  *
Nicholas Frank, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, associate professor of large animal clinical sciences at the University of Tennessee, discussed the causes, clinical signs, and management of insulin resistance in horses, and its link to laminitis at the 2006 AAEP Convention. "Insulin resistance can be defined as failure of tissues to respond appropriately ... Read full story
 7/31/2007
Insulin Resistance: Hold the Grain, Please  *
Management of insulin resistance might lower the risk of laminitis, and one of the cornerstones of management is diet. “Think of these horses as being in a prediabetic state,” said Nicholas Frank, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, associate professor of large animal clinical sciences at the University of Tennessee, at the 2006 AAEP Convention. “They need to exercise ... Read full story
 7/12/2007
Equine Metabolic Syndrome Versus Cushing's Syndrome   *
Fresh from the AAEP Annual Convention, here's an update on what we know about these two disorders and how to manage them: Equine metabolic syndrome typically affects horses aged 8 to 18-years-old. Pony breeds, domesticated Spanish Mustangs, Peruvian Pasos, Paso Finos, and some Warmblood breeds appear especially prone. A preliminary diagnosis is based ... Read full story
 2/19/2007
Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity in Horses
Equine nutritionists and wise horse owners have long known that obesity in horses is not a good thing. The obese horse often is incapable of performing even moderate tasks without becoming exhausted and, as a result, placing itself in danger of injury. Now researchers are adding still another dimension to these concerns. That dimension involves laminitis ... Read full story
 3/3/2005
AAEP Convention 2004 Wrap-Up: Horseman's Day   *
Horseman's Day, as part of the annual American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention, just keeps getting better and better. And attendance is strong no matter where the convention is held. Most recently, the locale was Denver, Colo., on Dec. 8, and nearly 275 horse enthusiasts showed up for the day-long session. In addition to presentations ... Read full story
 3/3/2005
Obesity and Cushing's Disease   *
Cushing's disease has been around for a long time in people, horses, and other animals. For years, theories and information concerning the affliction all centered on one source for the problem--tumors of the pituitary gland, which is located at the base of the brain. In the case of horses, it was generally felt that benign tumors in the intermediate ... Read full story
 4/1/2004
Diseases of Dietary Origin  *
The axiom, "You are what you eat" does have relevance to horses with regard to health and well-being. Although horses have evolved to eat plant material, not all plants are safe to eat. Some food substances directly exert toxic effects, while others grow fungi that do so. Availability and type of food are important issues to intestinal health and nutritional ... Read full story
 3/1/2004
Expanding Laminitis Vocabulary   *
"Equine Metabolic Syndrome" (EMS) is the latest addition to the horse health lexicon. Speaking at the University of Wisconsin's School of Veterinary Medicine's 2003 Equine Symposium on Laminitis on Jan. 31, Philip J. Johnson BVSc (Hons), MS, MRCVS, Dipl. ACVIM, of the University of Missouri's School of Veterinary Medicine, used updated terminology ... Read full story
 5/1/2003
AAEP Convention: Peripheral Cushing's  *
Peripheral Cushing's syndrome (PCS) is a recently named problem seen in middle-aged horses and ponies with obesity-associated laminitis. These horses tend to accumulate fat in the crest of the neck, over the rump, and in the sheath of males. It was first proposed that classic Cushing's disease--a pituitary gland disorder that leads to excessive cortisol ... Read full story
 3/1/2003
AAEP 2002: Thyroid Function in Horses with Peripheral Cushing's Syndrome  *
Peripheral Cushing's syndrome (PCS) is seen in middle-aged horses with obesity-associated laminitis. These horses tend to accumulate fat in the crest of the neck, over the rump, and in the sheath of male horses. Researchers are trying to understand this recently named syndrome. It was first proposed that classic Cushing's disease--a disorder of the ... Read full story
 1/7/2003




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