Metabolic Syndrome

[junior_R]

Hello,

Does anyone know anything on the above syndrome. My horse is due to have a test to see if he has Metabolic Syndrome. I have looked it up on the internet and from reading the information it does seem to match my horse. Basically is a cob / connemara quite a heavy cob and he had laminitus last year and recovered well i caught it in the early stages, iv been over careful this year restricting grazing no hard feed etc and hes still come down with it this yr but only minimul lameness hes had xrays and the pedal bone has slightly dropped now : ( My vet has suggested he could have this syndrome. Otherwise i dont think i can be anymore careful where his diet is concerned! Any info or advice would be greatly appreciated.
thanks

 

[Llwyncwn]

Hi Heather.

I thought exactly the same with one of my boys. He had laminitis 4 years ago for the last year he has shown lameness on one of his hinds, but only occasionally. He is fine hacking but schooling and circles make him progressively worse.

After doing much research I had the vets take full blood profiles and all were within normal parameters.

Have you looked on http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/TheMetabolicHorse/ this may be of help to you.

My boy is on Winnergy Equilibrium Low made by Spillers, it may be worth giving them a call for advice. Do be aware though that if you put him on a high oil diet and it is not MS, this will only increase his weight and put him at risk of lami again.

Best of luck and do let us know how you get on.

 

[DebbieBrand]

My horse has metabolic syndrome, his test results were also within normal parameters. He has some problems with his coat, and grows a long curly coat in autumn but moults it out by January, he started with a laminitis attack and I noticed he's wee'd a lot. I feed him Healthy Hooves, fibre beet and hay. I also give him chaste tree berries and cinnamon to help the condition. My vet says to treat him like a laminitic but in case the condition turns to Cushings, which it mimics, beware of any infections.