jholtom
Active Member
HI, I have just been told that my shetland who is 9yr has metabolic syndrome, before the vet calls me tomorrow can anyone give me any info on this please.
metabolic syndrome
- Thread starter jholtom
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Jazzy B
Well-Known Member
My friends horse has it, his on 24 tablets a day, but he is quite a severe case. His on quite a strict diet now and requires a lot of exercise and regular blood tests to see check whether tablets are working.
jholtom
Active Member
the vet said it is far from the worse she has seen and vera is very slim for a shetland so its not weight that has caused it 
Jazzy B
Well-Known Member
it can go one of both ways, under active or over active thyroid I'm sure medication will be able to sort it out.
jholtom
Active Member
she was lame so took her off the grass, gave her bute and sedalin for a week, took more blood yesterday and this is the result, just read up on it and some say drugs some say no drugs just limited grass.. confused already
Oberon
Well-Known Member
Join the Cushings and Insulin Resistance Yahoo group and go through their files.
Feeding a balanced mineral supplement can help to introduce more zinc into the diet to allow the horse to produce and control insulin better.
The Phoenix barefoot forum also has plenty of advice from experienced owners.
Feeding a balanced mineral supplement can help to introduce more zinc into the diet to allow the horse to produce and control insulin better.
The Phoenix barefoot forum also has plenty of advice from experienced owners.
Oberon
Well-Known Member
You can use Metformin for a while to stabilise the blood sugar but it's all about management rather than relying on meds.
jholtom
Active Member
i have to pick up some metformin tomorrow for her from the vet, then i have to watch her grass intake, she is on very little grass with 2 of my others at the moment, I don't want her on drugs all the time not because of the cost just because i really don't think they so them their bodies any good in the long run.
Oberon
Well-Known Member
Brucea on here and the Phoenix forum has lots of experience with his "Professional Metabolic Shetland", Bramble. 
jholtom
Active Member
how do i find him please ?
juliette
Well-Known Member
Metformin tastes disgusting so you may well need to add something strong tasting to the feed to mask the flavour.
The syndrome, once under control with the medication, can be managed with a strict diet. My friend's mini Shetland and small pony are turned out on a small sand paddock rather than grass. They are fed steamed hay. Hard feed is only laminitis approved.
Both hers are off the Metformin and managing well. Their turn out on sparse grass is extremely limited to just an hour or 2 a week, but they are very happy on their sand pit (purpose built!). They are both exercised, the pony drives and the mini is taken for walks in hand.
It does take some managing but once in a good routine they can thrive. Hers have glossy coats, are slim and trim and very content.
The syndrome, once under control with the medication, can be managed with a strict diet. My friend's mini Shetland and small pony are turned out on a small sand paddock rather than grass. They are fed steamed hay. Hard feed is only laminitis approved.
Both hers are off the Metformin and managing well. Their turn out on sparse grass is extremely limited to just an hour or 2 a week, but they are very happy on their sand pit (purpose built!). They are both exercised, the pony drives and the mini is taken for walks in hand.
It does take some managing but once in a good routine they can thrive. Hers have glossy coats, are slim and trim and very content.
Reform
Well-Known Member
Join the Metabolic Horse Yahoo group. Loads of advice and support.
I have a insulin resistant /PPID pony who is on Metformin and Prascend.
Good luck
I have a insulin resistant /PPID pony who is on Metformin and Prascend.
Good luck
jholtom
Active Member
Thank you so much everyone, when i 1st posted i was in tears as only just heard but now with all the advise i feel so much better xx
Ruftys mum
Well-Known Member
My friend's horse had laminitus 2 or 3 times before being diagnosed with EMS. He is on Metformin, limited grazing and she uses Simple Foods. He is blood tested every month and well within normal limits now. He is not allowed anything sugary eg carrots. His hay has to be organic. It has been a lot of work but he is now fine.His pedal bone had rotated but he seems to cope.
Slightlyconfused
Go away, I'm reading
Our lami is an ems pony.....he is on 30 tablets aday as his insulin was through the roof......last bloods was perfect so wait to do another soon and if that is tje same then might start reducing them sooner rather tyan later....