Equine Metabolic Syndrome/laminitis help please

[gothdolly]

Does anyone have a horse with equine metabolic syndrome? My vet suggested that Domino might have this. It seems to fit with some of his symptoms. He is well covered but not obese or anything.... one thing that he does have is a fat heavy sheath that swells up when he is stabled (oedema). Previous vets have not suggested Equine Metabolic syndrome as a cause of this, but apparently it can be a symptom.

Domi is very footsore/pottery still despite having been shod with a wide webbed shoe, having had a period of box rest and now limited turn out on very poor grass. The vet suggested that I treat him as though he is pre-laminetic, so I am following advice.

I just feel a bit down about all this... does anyone have any exeriences they would like to share?

thanks in advance
Cassandra

 

[Nari]

if you register at ihdg.proboards91.com (it's free) & then PM jackiejataylor she may be able to help as she's done a lot of work on Equine Metabolic Syndrome & now runs a company supplying supplements aimed at this (don't worry, she doesn't try to sell if you're just after advice).

I hope I haven't upset anyone by pointing you at a different forum

 

[Doublethyme]

Would echo the above advice, get in touch with Jackie (I've PMd you her direct email). She also runs a Yahoo group that is a brilliant source of information and support.

 

[gothdolly]

Oh thanks so much - its hard to find any info out about this. I have only found a few mentions in some magazines - only the very basic info, and little else. I have just found out that Derek Knottenbelt is lecturing on this condition at Brackenhurst Equestrian college so hopefully I can get a ticket and learn more then. But I will email Jackie - thanks so much!

Domino hates his new grazing muzzel

He is not a happy cob.

Cassandra

 

[Beanyowner]

do a search as I put up a post a month or so ago about equine metabolic syndrome...might be useful.

 

[annie02]

I have a horse that has been diagnosed with this. It sounds kind of similar but I have a feeling that with any "syndrome" there are various problems, indicators and treatments.

The vet tagged Harley with this last summer. He was fit, working, not feet problems etc. Then all of a sudden the went lame in front, laminitis. There hadnt been a change in feed, he had limited grazing time, really an hour or so day as a treat. We ruled out a lot of stuff through blood tests and changes in feed and work. The thing that confirmed it started in the fall.

Beyond the laminitis signs (sore, tender dished feet, swollen sheath-however he was not creasty in the neck or over weight) ge started to show other signs. His coat was dry, his feet were britle and he lost a lot of muscle mass. He went back to full time work once the xrays of his feet were OK and he was sound. But we could put any muscle on him, not matter how much or different work we did with him.

This is how the vet explained it to me. The body is able to deal with protein the way it once did. Hence the laminitis and the inability to build muscle. Laminitis can be caused by excess protien that collects in the feet, you need protein to build muscle...see the conection?

Not the end of the world, we changed him to a special feed...did it very slowly. It is basically a senior feed that is very digestable, allowing us to provide protein that he can use to build muscle and that will be metablized instead of collecting in the body where you dont want it.

By the way we had to put a special pad on his one foot b/c of the laminitis, he had it on for about 9 months then we were able to take it off.

PM me if you dont understand or want more details.

 

[MagicMo]

The only thing I know is that my vets offer a drug called Trilostane (sp?) for the treatment of EMS. My horse has Cushings syndrome so there are some similarities which is how I have heard about that.

Charisl

 

[SchmokieDragon]

I'm not an expert, but I have heard that going barefoot can solve the laminitis end of things, although not sure what it would do for things that are not hoof related.

About to try going barefoot myself, so PM me is you want any info.

 

[gothdolly]

Thanks very much for your responses

Its really helpful.

Cassandra