Cushings came back clear, is it worth testing for EMS?

A

Anna2015

Well-Known Member
Joined
21 July 2015
Messages
107
Visit site
Slightly confused so hoping some one can clear something up for me.

My pony had a cushings test which came back clear but he has huge fat deposits all over his neck and his crest is huge. Vet said he could have EMS

I'm planning on having a test done for it and started reading online and read different reviews. Some people said it's a new fad and if he has it medication is pointless. Just exercise and restricted grazing. Another website said a cushings test will also show EMS?

I have Been quoted £140 for the test so wanting to know if what I am reading is correct before going a head ?
 
A cushings test will not show EMS

Think of EMS a little bit like diabetes.
Some horses will be more prone to obesity/metabolic issues, but equally the first real step in management is diet and exercise.

Personally I'd save your money for now and just treat your horse like a high risk lammi case, see if you can shift the fat. If you have done everything you can diet and exercise wise then start to look at additional veterinary support (metformin etc). Be warned, dieting a fatty is actually really hard work
 
You need a separate test for ems some vets prescribe metformin some don't and will give a you a diet and exercise plan, I have heard mixed reviews on the use of metformin it seems some vets rate it and some don't my vet didn't offer it to me but told me to feed magnesium oxide soak all hay and restrict grazing my horse couldn't be ridden due to an injury, chances are if she has abnormal fat deposits she has ems I would manage her like a laminitic.

just wanted to add my horse had cushings as well so she was on pracsend but because she old not be ridden it was a constant battle to keep the weight off.
 
Last edited:
Forget the test for just now and treat as if he has EMS. Check all hard feeds and get the ones containing the least sugar and starch . Soak hay , restrict grazing and use a grazing muzzle if needed . Get a diary/calendar and set up an excercise plan for him. I have an EMS gelding and can give you some help if youve got any questions :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top