Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)

EQUINE METABOLIC SYNDROME (EMS) AN INFOGRAPHIC BROUGHT TO YOU BY the HORSE This metabolic and hormonal disorder common to "easy keepers" can cause: Obesity | Insulin Resistance| Laminitis EMS RISK FACTORS LOCALIZED FAT HIGH-RISK DEPOSITS BREEDS Pony breeds Morgans Andalusians Paso Finos Arabians Saddlebreds Tennessee Walking Horses A BODY CONDITION SCORE OF 7 TO 9 ON A 9-POINT SCALE 1...2...3...4...5...6...7...8...9 UNDERWEIGHT NORMAL OVERWEIGHT A NOTICEABLY CRESTY NECK MOST HARMFUL EMS SIDE EFFECTS HYPERINSULINEMIA LAMINITIS increased insulin-a hormone produced to control blood sugar levels-circulating in the bloodstream separation of the sensitive laminae that connect the horse's hoof to the coffin bone Insulin Glucose Long Pastern Bone Insulin Receptors Short Pastern Bone NORMAL CELL Insulin - Glucose Insulin Receptors Coffin Bone Laminae INSULIN CELL RESISTANT DIAGNOSIS Clinical signs Hoof radiographs for signs of laminitis Oral sugar test Serum triglyceride (fat) concentrations Adiponectin (a protein involved in regulating glucose levels) levels, as testing becomes available PREVENTION DO THIS NOT THAT Slow feeder Grazing muzzle if needed Obese horse Active horse Lush pasture Short grass High-grain diet - Ration balancer if needed MANAGING HORSES WITH EMS Decrease daily calorie intake if obese Feed late maturity hay starting at horse's body weight for weight loss and lowering to 1.2-1.3% if necessary Do not feed sweet feed or high-starch grain, and avoid feeding treats Do not turn obese horses out on pasture Feed a ration balancer to meet the horse's nutrient needs There is no cure for EMS, but diet and lifestyle changes can help affected horses live quality lives. SPONSORED BY: the HORSE TR PLE CROWN. Nutrition, Inc.