Why does Cushing Disease and Equine Metabolic disease cause laminitis?
Increased insulin and abnormal glucose metabolism causes changes in the vascular and cellular level of the foot which leads to laminitis, abnormal hoof wall growth, and foot pain. Treatment of EMD should focus on reduction of fat cells. Starchy feeds should not be fed. Unlimited access to good pasture may need to be halted. Our patients routinely consult with a veterinary nutritionist when designing a diet plan. Exercise is very important to rid the body of fat cells. If the horse’s foot condition will allow it, exercise is a great way to shed pounds. Miscellaneous drugs and supplements have been used to fight Equine Metabolic Disease. Pergolide is not effective in treating EMD. The bottom line is that EMD is difficult to treat. The disease is much easier to prevent by not allowing our horses to become obese. The disease process can be monitored by taking follow up blood insulin levels. This gives us an ongoing way to monitor the animal’s response to therapy. These diseases are fascina
