
Equine metabolic syndrome
Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) is a condition in horses characterized by insulin resistance, abnormal fat distribution, and a tendency to develop laminitis, a painful hoof inflammation. It often occurs in overweight or sedentary horses and is similar to metabolic issues seen in humans, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. In EMS, the body's cells don’t respond well to insulin, leading to higher blood sugar levels. Managing EMS involves controlled feeding, weight reduction, regular exercise, and veterinary monitoring to reduce the risk of laminitis and improve overall health.