This document discusses several hoof diseases that are specific to older horses, including Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), Cushing's Disease (PPID), and laminitis. EMS is characterized by obesity, insulin resistance, and increased risk of laminitis in horses age 5 and older. Cushing's Disease affects horses age 12 and older and causes a long shaggy coat, excessive urination, weight loss, and increased susceptibility to infections. Laminitis, an inflammation of the laminae in the hoof, has multiple systemic causes and a poor prognosis depending on the case. The document emphasizes monitoring weight, nutrition, and signs of these diseases to promote early testing and treatment.
8. Insulin Resistance/Dysfunction
Insulin directs glucose/sugar
(energy) into liver, fat, and muscle
IR/ID
Insulin not as effective and glucose builds up
Pancreas increases insulin production to keep
up
Leading to hyperinsulinemia and laminitis
9. Diagnosis
Insulin/Glucose Blood Panel
Ideally Fasting (1 flake of hay night before)
Insulin/Glucose Blood Panel with OST
Oral Sugar Test
Ideally Fasting (1 flake of hay night before)
Owner Gives 100cc Light Karo Syrup Orally
Vet Pulls Blood after 1-1.5hrs
10. Management
Weight Control
NO… Sugar…
Apples
Carrots
Green Grass
Sweet Feed
Alfalfa hay/pellets
YES….Orchard Grass Hay
1-1.5 pounds of hay per 100 pounds per day….10 - 15
pounds per day
MAYBE…Low Starch Pelleted Feed if warranted
Mineral Block
11. Management
Exercise
Walking
Light Ridding
20-30 minutes 2-3 times a week
Build up to 5 days a week…SLOWLY…Be nice!
If Laminitic/Foundered… Ask Vet!
12. Management
Medications
Thyro-L (Levothyroxine)
NOT HypOthyroid… Used for weight loss
Metabarol (Resveratrol)
Claims to improve the sensitivity of
insulin
13. EMS Summary
Monitor weight
Can develop at early age
Test for Glucose/Insulin
High life-threatening risk of Laminitis/Founder
15. What is it?
Uncontrolled Growth of a Section of the Pituitary Gland
Oxidative damage to PPI
PPI is set to Overdrive
Increase in Hormone Production
Leads to Deterioration of Normal Hormonal Functions
16. Who is Affected?
Same Breeds as EMS horses
Age Group???
Most common in 12+years
17. Main Features
Long Shaggy Hair Coat
Loss of Top Line
Excessive Urination (PU)
Excessive Water Consumption (PD)
Decrease Performance
Non-resolving Infections
± Obesity
± Insulin Resistance/Dysfunction
± Laminitis/Founder
……
18. Early Signs
Changes in Behavior
Lethargy
Docility
Decline Performance
Muscle Loss “Topline”
Changing form Obese to Lean
Secondary Infections
Whiteline Desease
Hoof Abscesses
Recurent Corneal Ulcers
Sinusitis
19. Midway Signs
Same as Early Signs Plus:
Focal Hair coat Changes
Laminitis
PU/PD
Fat Pads
Sweating Abnormally
20. Late Signs
…..
Generalized Hair Coat Changes
Skinny with Potbellied Appearance
21. Diagnosis
ACTH Blood Test
Ok for late stage of disease
OR
ACTH + TRH +ACTH (10 min later)
More sensitive than single ACTH
Research on the way to determine better more
sensitive testing assays/methods
DON’T TREAT THE LAB WORK… TREAT THE HORSE!!!
22. Why Test?
Reinforcing Suspicion
Differentiating form EMS
“Proof” of Diagnosis when Starting Life-Long
Therapy
Monitoring Dose and Efficacy of Therapy
Prognosis
DO NOT WAIT FOR A “POSITIVE” RESULT TO TREAT IF
EARLY SIGNS ARE INDICATIVE…Tests are not the
best yet!
24. Nutraceuticals???
Metabarol (Resviratrol)
May help with EMS
Chastberry
Made it worse based on control study in 2002
Magnesium
May benefit people, NO data in horses
Chromium
No change in EMS (2011)
Psyllium
Mild changes in EMS (2013)
25. Management
Consistent Medication Administration
Proper Nutrition
Thin?
Fat?
EMS?
Fresh Water at All Times
Proper Care of Teeth
Proper Care of Hooves
35. LAMINITIS/FOUNDER
Treatment
What do most of us agree on?
NSAID: Bute, Banamine, Previcox, etc.
Good Team:
Veterinarian
Farrier/Trimmer
Stoic patient
Dedicated owner with deep pockets
Good Luck!
38. Key Points
Monitor Weight
Watch What You Feed
Spoil Them with Love and Attention… NOT Food
Monitor for Subtle Coat Changes
Monitor for Lameness
Test Early
Treat Early
Be Proactive!