Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) is a condition that affects many horses, particularly those with a tendency towards obesity. EMS is characterised by insulin dysregulation, regional adiposity (fat deposits in specific areas such as the neck or above the tailhead), and an increased risk of developing laminitis. Horses with EMS often struggle to metabolise sugars and starches properly, leading to abnormal insulin responses which can predispose them to laminitis.

Diagnosis and Management Diagnosing EMS typically involves a combination of physical assessments (such as body condition scoring and fat distribution evaluation) alongside laboratory tests to measure blood insulin and glucose levels. Specialised tests like the Oral Sugar Test (OST) or the insulin tolerance test are often performed to evaluate how well a horse processes sugars​(IL Vet Med Assoc)​(Merck Veterinary Manual).

Once EMS is diagnosed, management focuses on controlling the horse's diet and increasing exercise to reduce body weight and improve insulin sensitivity. The dietary approach centres on reducing carbohydrate intake, particularly non-structural carbohydrates (NSC), which are often found in lush pastures and grains. For horses that are severely affected, grazing might need to be restricted or even eliminated​(Merck Veterinary Manual).

Preventative Measures Prevention is crucial, especially for breeds predisposed to EMS, such as ponies and native breeds. Keeping horses at a healthy weight through appropriate feeding and regular exercise can help mitigate the risk of developing this condition. Regular monitoring of body condition scores and neck circumference is key, and radiographs of the feet are recommended to detect any early signs of laminitis​(Merck Veterinary Manual).

New Research Emerging studies suggest that supplements such as magnesium, chromium, and even cinnamon may offer some benefit in increasing insulin sensitivity, although further research is needed to confirm their efficacy​(IL Vet Med Assoc).

In conclusion, EMS is a serious but manageable condition if diagnosed early and treated appropriately. For veterinarians, it’s important to work closely with horse owners to develop personalised management plans to keep affected horses healthy and reduce the risk of complications such as laminitis. Regular follow-up and adaptation of management strategies as the horse's condition evolves are essential.

For more in-depth information on EMS and related research, you can refer to the (Merck Veterinary Manual)ps://www.merckvetmanual.com/metabolic-disorders/equine-metabolic-syndrome/equine-metabolic-syndrome).