Can equine metabolic syndrome be reversed?
Thankfully, EMS can be reversed, but only with a lot of hard work. Horses with EMS are very, very hard to diet – so it takes real dedication to get the job done. It involves a serious permanent lifestyle change. Your vet and a nutritionist will help you plan a tailor-made diet for your horse.
What does it mean if my horse is metabolic?
Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) is a disorder associated with an inability to regulate blood insulin levels (insulin dysregulation). Affected horses commonly show increased regional fat deposition and a reduced ability to lose weight. It often affects “thrifty” equids such as ponies, donkeys, Arabians, and mustangs.
How do you manage equine metabolic syndrome?
Treatment for equine metabolic syndrome involves dietary management and, if diet and exercise is not sufficient to treat the condition, medical therapy. Correction of the diet may be all that is needed to return the horse to normal body weight.
How do I know if my horse is metabolic?
The most common clinical signs are abnormal intra-abdominal fat deposits (belly fat) as well as fat accumulation in the crest of the neck, over the rump and in the sheath of male horses. These horses will usually have a high body condition score of 7 (Fleshy) or higher.
What is the best feed for metabolic horses?
Moderate quality timothy or orchard grass hays are best. Oat and rye grass hays have more sugar than do timothy or orchard grass. Legume (alfalfa) is OK, but it has more calories than do grass hays, which can lead to obesity. Clover hay is high in sugar and should probably be avoided.
What are the signs of insulin resistance in horses?
There is not a specific set of symptoms that an insulin-resistant horse will show, but there are signs that might indicate insulin resistance. These include abnormal fat deposits, usually on the crest, rump and above the eye, excessive urinating and drinking, and potentially developing laminitis.
Can you reverse insulin resistance in horses?
The best way to treat insulin resistance is to prevent it in the first place. This can be done by feeding a proper diet, ensuring your horse gets plenty of exercise and maintaining a healthy body condition score of 5-6.
How often does a 15 year old mare ovulate?
For young mares, the dominant follicle (the one that grows fastest in preparation for ovulation) fails to ovulate in less than 5% of cycles. But when mares are 15 and older, that rate can increase to 13%.
How long does it take for a mare to grow follicles?
Problems can arise with ovarian follicle development, resulting in a longer time in the follicular phase and smaller follicles from a slowed growth rate. It is not uncommon to see mares above 20 years of age that take three to four weeks or longer to build a follicle suitable for breeding.
When does a mare’s fertility begin to decline?
But from 15 to 20, their fertility declines, says McCue. Reproductive problems only continue to intensify in mares older than 20. Of course, each mare is an individual with her own health history and genetic tendencies. But why does mare fertility decline with age, and what can be done about it?
What happens to a mare when you breed her?
All mares develop a temporary uterine inflammatory response after breeding because of the spermatozoa and, inevitably, bacteria introduced. Typically, the fluid pushes out and the inflammation resolves on its own, says Pinto. But the older mare might lose her ability to evacuate that material.