What is the equine metabolic syndrome?
This is a pathological condition of horses characterized by obesity or regional adiposity, insulin resistance, hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) and laminitis. EMS is equivalent to the metabolic syndrome of humans. It is believed that laminitis is the counterpart of atherosclerosis and cardiac disease of humans. What is the cause of EMS? EMS results from an abnormal regulation of the energy metabolism. EMS equals insulin resistance. In healthy horses, insulin moves glucose inside the cells to be used as a source of energy. When insulin actions are reduced the animal develops insulin resistance, glucose remains in circulation, leading to hyperglycemia and abnormal fat accumulation. Excessive carbohydrate intake and obesity promote insulin resistance. Therefore, factors that induce insulin resistance indirectly induce EMS. Horses with EMS are in a pro-inflammatory state in which the adipose tissue abnormally secretes hormonal factors that worsen the clinical signs of this disease. Why d
