Horse Equine Metabolic Syndrome and Laminitis Risk

Equine metabolic syndrome is a hormonal condition predisposing horses to laminitis, a painful hoof condition requiring careful management.

Key Facts

EMS is characterized by insulin dysregulation, abnormal fat deposits, and increased laminitis susceptibility
Insulin dysregulation causes laminitis by stimulating lamellar cells in the hoof through insulin receptors
Pasture-associated laminitis triggered by high-sugar grass is the most common presentation
Non-structural carbohydrate content of grass peaks in spring and autumn and on sunny days
Diagnosis includes dynamic insulin testing and assessment of body condition and cresty neck score
Management centers on dietary carbohydrate restriction and controlled grazing or muzzle use
Exercise is protective against EMS when horses are sound but must be halted during acute laminitis

Welfare Considerations

Laminitis causes acute and chronic hoof pain described as one of the most severe conditions in equine veterinary medicine. The rotation or sinking of the coffin bone causes excruciating pressure on sensitive laminae. EMS-predisposed horses may experience repeated laminitis episodes with cumulative damage. Prevention through dietary management is far more welfare-positive than treating established laminitis after significant lamellar damage has occurred.

What You Can Do

Have overweight horses with abnormal fat deposits tested for insulin dysregulation
Use grazing muzzles on EMS horses during high-sugar grass periods including spring and sunny days
Soak hay to reduce non-structural carbohydrate content for horses that cannot be safely grazed
Recognize early laminitis signs including heat in hooves and reluctance to move for early intervention
Work with your farrier and vet on therapeutic shoeing to support laminitic feet
Maintain EMS horses at a healthy body condition - obesity is the primary modifiable risk factor