What does IR mean in horses?

The horse digests and ferments carbohydrates in feedstuffs to produce glucose, which is its primary source of energy for body functions. Insulin resistance (IR) occurs when body cells that use insulin to regulate the uptake and metabolism of blood glucose become less sensitive to insulin’s effects.

Is EMS the same as IR in horses?

Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) is a recently described endocrine pathologic condition of obese horses that is associated with IR, laminitis, and fat redistribution. IR is the hallmark of EMS.

What is equine ESM?

Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) is a hormonal disorder quite similar to Type 2 diabetes in humans. Any horse or pony is at risk, although it is seen much more often in overweight animals, as obesity is the main known risk factor for EMS1.

Can a horse have Cushings and EMS?

Occasionally both disorders can occur together. Some horses with EMS will later develop Cushing’s. Horses and ponies with EMS should be monitored for signs of Cushing’s development such as delayed shedding of winter coat or increased drinking and urination.

How do you treat IR in horses?

The best way to treat insulin resistance is to prevent it in the first place. This can be done by feeding a proper diet, ensuring your horse gets plenty of exercise and maintaining a healthy body condition score of 5-6.

Can IR horses eat alfalfa?

Alfalfa can be an excellent addition to most horses’ diets, even for those that are insulin resistant (IR). I often recommend feeding it because it boosts the overall protein quality of a grass-hay diet and, in general, enhances the horse’s muscle tone, immune system and overall health.

Why does EMS cause laminitis?

The reason why EMS causes laminitis is currently the focus of much research. In humans, high insulin levels have been associated with blood vessel narrowing and damage, and a heightened inflammatory state, which may be the cause of laminitis in ponies with EMS.

Is EMS same as Cushings?

In general, Cushings affects older horses, whereas EMS first develops in young and middle-aged animals. Although they are two separate conditions, they can overlap. All breeds are susceptible but ponies are most at risk.

Can horses with EPM be ridden?

A Horses that recover completely can return to their original intended use. For horses that do recover, the improvement is based on the initial severity of the clinical signs (see box). However, not all horses that “improve” according to the clinical scale are able to be safely ridden again.

Can a horse recover from EMS?

Unfortunately, an EMS horse can never be fully cured, but the disorder can be managed through proper nutrition and exercise. “The key is to recognize the risk, mitigate the risk and prevent them from developing laminitis,” Dr. Frank says. As is often the case, the best treatment is prevention.

What causes IR in horses?

Obesity is the biggest risk factor for insulin resistance. Age is another one; older horses (older than 20 years) have an increased risk of developing Equine Metabolic Syndrome. Increased age is often also associated with Cushing’s disease, a frequently diagnosed endocrine abnormality in horses.

Are oats OK for insulin resistant horses?

Even though oats are the grain lowest in sugar and starch, at around 45 to 50% starch they are still far too high in starch for horses on a low sugar and starch diet, eg insulin resistant horses, horses prone to laminitis, those with disorders like Cushings or PSSM etc, as well as many horses who are prone to ulcers.