Why do horses with EMS develop laminitis?
The high glucose is toxic to blood vessels, and results in the inability to use glucose by the cells in the hoof laminae. The production of pro-inflammatory mediators by the adipose tissue and the excessive body weight all contribute to the development or worsening of the clinical signs of laminitis. Which factors predispose horses to develop EMS? Any factor that predisposes to insulin resistance is predisposing to EMS. Factors associated with insulin resistance and EMS include diet, age and exercise. Diet: Excessive energy intake is considered the main trigger for insulin resistance and EMS. Carbohydrate-rich diets (grain, concentrates) induce hyperglycemia and the secretion of hormones (cortisol) that promote insulin resistance. Age: The condition is more common in horses older than 7 years of age, which is why stallions are often affected. Photos courtesy of The Ohio State University Obesity, a sign of Equine Metabolic Syndrome, is characterized by abnormal fat distribution on the r
