Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) in Horses
Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) is a metabolic disorder that affects overweight horses, ponies, and donkeys. Understanding and managing EMS is crucial for your horse’s health and well-being.
What is EMS?
EMS is characterized by three main features:
- Insulin Dysregulation (ID): There may be a combination of insulin resistance (unable to respond to insulin), excessive production or both.
- Obesity or Abnormal Fat Distribution: Horses with EMS are overweight and may have abnormal distribution of fat, commonly around the neck (cresty neck) and tail base.
- Increased Risk of Laminitis: High insulin levels can lead to laminitis and in severe cases euthanasia.
Recognizing EMS
Key Signs:
- High Cresty Neck Score: See scoring chart below
- Obesity: Excessive fat deposits and increased body condition score
- Laminitis: Symptoms include lameness on all fours, reluctance to move, increased laying down and pain during farrier work.
Diagnosing EMS
If you notice any of the above signs, consult your vet. Diagnosis typically involves:
- Veterinary exam: Thorough physical exam and history taking +/- paddock and feed assessment
- Oral Glucose Test: Paired blood tests to assess how the body reacts to glucose when given orally.
- Hoof Exam: To check for signs of laminitis. This may involve radiographs.
Managing EMS
Effective management revolves around controlling diet, exercise, and regular veterinary care.
1. Dietary Management
- Feed Selection: Choose a diet low in Non-structured Carbohydrates. These include simple sugars, starch and fructans (ideally less than 10%). If this is not possible soak hay for 30 minutes and discard the water before feeding.
- Grazing Restrictions: Limit access to lush pastures or use a grazing muzzle to prevent excessive sugar intake. This is especially important after rain.
2. Exercise
Regular, moderate exercise improves insulin sensitivity and helps maintain weight. Daily turnout and light riding can benefit EMS horses. Take care if there are already signs of laminitis.
3. Weight Management
Gradual weight loss is key. Aim for slow, steady reduction feeding no more than 1.5% body weight per day in hay. This can be reduced to 1% if needed but under veterinary guidance. Dropping feed quantity too quickly can lead to other conditions such as hepatic lipidosis. Work with your vet to develop a tailored weight-loss plan.
4. Veterinary Monitoring and treatment
- Regular Check Ups: Physical examination and repeat blood work as needed
- Hoof Care: Routine farrier visits are essential, as EMS horses are at higher risk for laminitis.
- Medication: If prescribed by your vet, certain medication can aid in weight loss. Pain relief can also be given to help alleviate laminitis signs.
5. Laminitis Monitoring
Be vigilant for early signs of laminitis (e.g., lameness, heat in hooves). Immediate veterinary attention can prevent long-term damage.
If you have any questions about your horses health or are wanting to book your horse in for a general check up, call our helpful team on 07 4982 2552.