Anyone tried this drug for their lamis?

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canteron

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And if so how did you find it.

The drug is Metaformin. As I understand it is help break down the 'bad' fat areas (normally crest, shoulders and bum) and help make the horse less insulin resistant/susceptible to laminitus in the long run.

Using it on my veteren pony and would love to know anyone elses experience of it and whether it worked.
 
Not used it but have been interested in some trials. It is METFORMIN - the one used in human diabetics.

Optimum dosage is not confirmed and there are no animal health companies manufacturing for equine consumption so the only ones available are either generic metformin or Glucophage SR which is POM. Anecdotal evidence so far is that it works in some and not others. Side-effects unknown.

So if you are using it, please just keep in close contact with your vet and dose adjustments may be necessary.

It is worth noting that in humans it stimulates the pancreas but only if beta-cells still function. An equine pancreas may not respond. It also reduces glucose production by the liver - again the equine liver may not respond as receptors may be very different. It also increases insulin sensitivity in the tissues - again, different physiology so who knows if it will have the same effect.

Please let me know how it goes with you, very ineterested to hear more experience of it.
 
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Tally Ho, thats interesting.

You are right it is a human drug ... all the instructions are for humans and I am giving a huge 35 tables a day.

I realised it was quite new to the horse world, but not quite how new. I have a funny feeling they may have used it more in the USA.

It is vet prescribed, but they have no plans but to come out until the end of the course in 2 months time.

One of my reasons for asking is that 10% of humans suffer side effects - and I am not so sure my horse isn't a little bit less happy now he is on it.

However, as the vet says, if it gives him a sporting chance of being able to enjoy his retirement, then I will go with it.

Anyone else??
 
No experience myself I'm afraid, but I would also be very interested to hear how you get on. Would you mind keeping us updated canteron?
 
Yes mostly in USA - they seem to have much more money floating around for small scale trials.

Side effects in humans is mainly gastric disorders. Lots of farting, burping, indigestion and the squits. This is one worry I have... horses can't burp so depending on where gas build up is, where does it go?
 
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