Equine Metabolic Syndrome causes insulin dysregulation and predisposes horses and ponies to laminitis, requiring careful dietary management to prevent painful and potentially fatal foot disease.
EMS-associated laminitis represents one of the most significant welfare problems in equine practice. The link between dietary management failure and acute laminitis episodes creates a direct responsibility for owners to understand and implement appropriate nutrition. Chronic laminitis causes persistent pain, altered gait, and deteriorating quality of life. Native pony breeds are particularly at risk in modern management settings with access to improved pastures, making species-appropriate management education critical for owners.