EQUINE METABOLIC SYNDROME
Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) is a condition characterized by obesity (the whole horse looks fat, or it seems to have a reasonable body condition except for areas of fatty tissue such as a cresty neck or fat pads around the tailhead), insulin resistance, and an increased risk of pasture-associated laminitis.
Both diet and exercise are included in a management plan for horses with
For horses fed only cured forages (hay, chaff, etc.), assuring adequate vitamin E intake by providing 1,000 IU of vitamin E per day is recommended. If pasture is included in the diet, then steps should be taken to reduce the risk of pasture-associated laminitis by providing a hindgut buffer.
Providing a source of the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA may improve insulin sensitivity. Except in cases in which the horse is lame from laminitis or other causes, exercise should be increased gradually to encourage weight loss.
Which solution is right for your horse?
EO-3™ Omega-3 supplement. EO-3 is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, compounds found to optimize the well-being of all horses, regardless of age or use. Specifically DHA and EPA supplementation has been shown to mediate inflammation as well as improve insulin sensitivity. Choose EO-3 to promote a more natural balance of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids in the body and the benefits this balance may confer on systemic inflammatory response, immune function and insulin sensitivity. Recommended for horses with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, metabolic syndrome, and any horse that is insulin resistant.
EquiShure® Time-released hindgut buffer. Developed to combat hindgut acidosis, this innovative, one-of-a-kind delivery system allows for buffering of the hindgut, the site of fermentation in the horse. Choose EquiShure to reduce the risk of hindgut acidosis escalating to laminitis in horses receiving significant intakes of starch-laden grains as well as those grazing high-fructan pastures, including those at risk for or with a history of laminitis.
Micro-Max™ Ration fortifier. Micro-Max is a low-intake concentrated source of vitamins and minerals for mature horses. Micro-Max is ideal for horses that maintain body weight on diets of forage and small amounts of concentrate. The use of Micro-Max ensures that all vitamin and mineral requirements of mature horses and ponies are satisfied. Because of its low feeding rate, Micro-Max can be fed by itself or mixed with a concentrate.
Nano-E® Nanodispersed, liquid natural-source vitamin E supplement. Nano-E provides highly a highly bioavailable natural (d-α-tocopherol), water soluble source of vitamin E to horses through a unique delivery system. Choose Nano-E to provide potent antioxidant support to horses with PSSM, EPSM, or RER, to provide optimal support of immune function in horses with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, and to provide highly bioavailable vitamin E to horses that have limited access to pasture.
Learn More
- Laminitis, Insulin Resistance, Equine Metabolic Syndrome: Fast Facts
- Managing Equine Metabolic Syndrome: New Guidelines
- Can Body Shape Predict Metabolic Issues in Horses?
- Stick with Condition Scoring to Manage Your Horse’s Weight
- Restricted Grazing Alters Intestinal Microorganisms of Horses
- Look to Exercise for Equine Weight Loss
- Pasture and Endocrine-Related Laminitis in Horses
- Limited Forage Intake and Horse Behavior
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Predicting Laminitis Risk in Horses with Insulin Dysregulation
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Targeting Insulin Dysregulation in Horses: New Medication Tested
