Horse EMS and Laminitis Welfare Prevention

Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) significantly increases laminitis risk. Identifying and managing EMS prevents the severe chronic pain of recurrent laminitis.

Key Facts

EMS affects up to 30% of UK native breeds and pony types including Welsh, New Forest, and Shetland ponies
EMS is characterized by insulin dysregulation causing hyperinsulinaemia that triggers laminitic episodes
Laminitis causes severe, debilitating lameness that can become permanently career-ending and welfare-threatening
Management through dietary restriction and exercise significantly reduces laminitis recurrence in EMS horses
Seasonal grass fructan peaks in spring and autumn trigger insulin spikes and laminitis in susceptible animals

Welfare Considerations

EMS and laminitis welfare are interconnected across the horse's lifetime. Identifying EMS through insulin testing and managing it through dietary restriction prevents the recurrent severe pain of laminitic episodes. The welfare case for proactive metabolic screening of susceptible breeds is strong - preventing laminitis is categorically better than managing established disease.

What You Can Do

Test native breed and pony type horses for EMS/insulin dysregulation before laminitis episodes occur
Manage EMS horses on restricted low-sugar forage and strip grazing through spring and autumn
Develop and implement an emergency laminitis response plan with your vet before episodes occur
Advocate for EMS screening as a routine part of preventive health care in susceptible breeds