Equine metabolic syndrome is a hormonal condition causing painful laminitis in susceptible horses that is largely preventable through appropriate management.
Laminitis caused by equine metabolic syndrome is one of the most painful conditions any horse can experience. The disruption of blood flow to the sensitive laminae of the hoof causes intense, throbbing pain that forces affected horses to shift weight constantly and lie down to relieve pressure. Severe cases result in rotation or sinking of the pedal bone through the hoof - a catastrophic injury often requiring euthanasia. EMS-related laminitis is largely preventable through appropriate management: restricting access to high-sugar grass, monitoring body condition, testing blood insulin, and choosing low-sugar forage. The tragedy is that many laminitis cases occur in horses that owners believe they are caring for well by allowing free pasture access.