Metabolic Syndrome?

libbyandblue

libbyandblue

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So my horse has been diagnosed with Metabolic Syndrome :-( It all started after a bad knock doing my first Novice at Oatridge BE, but was 100% sound after competition and just thought we could do with some confidence boosting. So things got worse, was stopping, and suddenly was very stiff and very lame. Got Physio out, but knew we'd need the vet as well. So vet out - said it was laminitis.... very strange, we thought that was the last thing he would have! My horse is a 10yr old, PB welsh, 15.2hh, so a fairly chunky boy, but is slim, fit and looking very well this year - even if he does still have a big bum! The vet noticed fatty lumps on his bum, neck and the dip above his eye was filled in. So she took bloods and sent it away for cushings, laminitis risk and metabolic syndrome....

Got bloods back today, he is being treated for laminitis in the meantime, frog supports on front feet, on danilon, aspirin and ACP, box rest etc. and is getting better, nearly on no bute now. Bloods showed v high glucose levels, so therefore Metabolic Syndrome. I was just wondering if anyone had any experiences/advice about this?? We were looking at selling him at the end of summer as I'm going to Uni, but I'm guessing this would be more difficult and we would have to sell him for a lot less? Please help! Feeling very disheartened, our eventing season has gone from brilliant to nothing :-(

Thanks in advance.
 
My friend has a Welsh cob who was 12 years old when diagnosed with Metabolic Syndrome. He had to go on a strict diet and was on Metformin. Once he was sound, he had to go be exercised daily, first in hand, then ridden, gradually building up the workload. His regular blood tests showed steady improvement in his condition and the Metformin was reduced accordingly. After almost exactly a year, he came off Metformin last week and he is looking very fit and in fabulous condition. Has your vet suggested Metformin? They seem to have differing views on it, but I can only speak as I find!
 
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