Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) is a condition in which horses, ponies and donkeys develop high levels of insulin in their blood. Affected animals are often but not always obese with fat deposits over their bodies.  The condition can also occur in thin horses and ponies, in particular in certain pony breeds.

EMS cases that are over weight often have fat deposits that are not spread evenly throughout the body. Insteasd, fat may accumulate on the neck causing a cresty neck, over the ribs, on the sheath or mammary glands or on the tail head / rump. Horses with EMS are at a higher risk of developing laminitis, although this can be subclinical (no obvious clinical signs) in the early stages.  They may also have infertility, other diseases and increase appetite. 

EMS can develop in horses and ponies of any age or gender although it is more common in mature adults of certain breeds. Affected breeds are often those bred to live in thrifty environments, such as mountain and moorlands, who are now more commonly affected when kept on lusher pasture.

Diagnosis of EMS is based on clinical signs and insulin levels in the blood.  Horses with EMS can have high levels of blood insulin all of the time or only after eating certain feeds or pasture. Vets may test blod insulin levels under different conditions including eating hay, being at pasture or after giving a sugary syrup (an oral sugar test). In EMS cases the blood insulin levels can also be more variable than in normal horses and taking a number of blood samples can be helpful for dianosing and monitoring.

Treatment of EMS is based primarily on dietary restriction and increased exercise levels with guidance from your vet, however, if these changes alone do not work, medical treatment with a variety of options are available – if you have any questions, please talk to one of the vets at BELL EQUINE on 01622 813700.