
Equine metabolic syndrome, or EMS, has become the universal veterinary medical term for the collection of metabolic abnormalities seen in such horses and ponies. | Photo: iStock
In recent decades, sedentary lifestyles and inordinate calorie intake have caused many Americans’ waistlines to expand. Subsequently, obesity and Type 2 diabetes have become two of the most pressing health threats to humans today. And just as we overeat, we lovingly overfeed our pets … including our horses. This can lead to obese equids at risk for a host of health problems.
Equine metabolic syndrome, or EMS, has become the universal veterinary medical term for the collection of metabolic abnormalities seen in such horses and ponies. There’s quite a lot to understand about diagnosing, treating, and preventing EMS, but don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.
Here are 10 resources about all facets of EMS available for free on TheHorse.com. Search “EMS” or visit the metabolic syndrome category on TheHorse.com for additional information.
ARTICLE: EMS: Equine Enemy No. 1 Equine metabolic syndrome doesn’t just cause equids’ girths to expand; it can also lead to other very serious health conditions. Read More
INFOGRAPHIC: Equine Metabolic Syndrome Many horses considered “easy keepers” actually have EMS, a serious metabolic and hormonal disorder. Learn the risks of EMS and get management and treatment tips in this easy-to-follow visual guide. View Now
VIDEO: Is it PPID or EMS? Diagnosing Equine Endocrine Disease Dr. Dianne McFarlane compares pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction and equine metabolic syndrome. Watch Now
ARTICLE: EMS and the Slippery Slope to Laminitis Here’s what scientists think happens in endocrinopathic laminitis cases—specifically those associated with EMS—and why. Read More
ARTICLE: Reduce Endocrinopathic Laminitis Likelihood With Nutrition, Medications While there’s no cure for EMS, owners can take steps to reduce the risk of laminitis development, including combating obesity, reducing pasture and nonstructural carbohydrate intake, and discussing the use of a medication with a veterinarian. Read More
COMMENTARY: EMS and ‘Low-Carb’ Diets: What’s Right for Your Horse? An equine nutritionist offers advice on feeding a horse with EMS and explains the difference between a low-carb and sugar-free diet. Read More
SLIDESHOW: Rehabilitating the Foundered Horse: Case Study Follow Tess, a 16-year-old mare, step-by-step as she rehabs from a bout EMS-related laminitis. View Now
ARTICLE: Do Current EMS Treatments Work? Owners can find success in apply current EMS treatment recommendations but only with sufficient veterinary support and advice. Read More
VIDEO: Role of Nutrition in Geriatric and EMS Horses Dr. Amanda Adams shares information about how nutrition can impact geriatric horses’ immune responses. Watch Now
ARTICLE: Does EMS Impact Horses’ Immune Responses to Vaccines? Researchers found that EMS did not appear to significantly impact horses’ humoral responses compared to age-matched controls. Read More