Companion Animals

Equine Metabolic Syndrome: Welfare and Management

Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) is a hormonal disorder in horses causing obesity, insulin dysregulation and laminitis risk with significant welfare implications requiring dietary management.

Key Facts

EMS is characterised by abnormal fat deposition (especially at the crest), insulin dysregulation and propensity for pasture-associated laminitis
Native pony breeds and warmbloods are particularly predisposed to EMS
The condition is managed primarily through dietary restriction, exercise and in some cases medical therapy
EMS is closely associated with risk of recurrent pasture-associated laminitis

Welfare Considerations

EMS causes welfare impacts through chronic laminitis episodes causing severe hoof pain, metabolic dysregulation and reduced quality of life. Obese EMS horses have impaired thermoregulation and mobility. Welfare priorities include dietary restriction to achieve weight loss, muzzling during peak pasture growth, structured exercise programmes, monitoring for laminitis episodes, and using pergolide medication if concurrent PPID is identified.

What You Can Do

Have overweight horses and ponies assessed for EMS and PPID by a vet
Implement strict dietary management including muzzling on spring and autumn pasture
Provide regular structured exercise appropriate to the horse's condition
Monitor digital pulses and hoof heat regularly to detect early laminitis in at-risk animals