Equine Metabolic syndrome (EMS) or Cushing’s syndrome is a progressive disease that follows a predictable course in accordance with the parameters of the insulin resistance model.  Insulin resistance (IR), in both humans and horses, initiates the metabolic syndrome and is considered to be the root of the disease process. IR refers to a breakdown in the cells’ ability to respond normally to insulin action; therefore the term “resistance”. Quantitatively, IR displays a pattern in blood tests that shows normal serum/blood glucose and elevated serum insulin. This pattern is the foundation of all the abnormalities found in the metabolic syndrome.

As IR progresses insulin levels continue to elevate while glucose remains “normal.” Increasing insulin production and secretion by the pancreatic beta cells elevates insulin levels in the blood. The reason that the beta-cells keep secreting more insulin, even though the glucose levels in the blood remain normal, is because they are “picking-up” the greater cellular need for efficient utilization of the glucose; another reflection of a greater resistance to insulin action. Therefore more insulin is needed to “keep” glucose levels in the blood “normal.” As insulin continues to rise the integrity of the cells diminish and the problems for the horse grow more severe.

For approximately a quarter of these horses serum levels of glucose will begin to elevate above the reference range while insulin levels in the blood reach inordinately high concentrations: at this place in the metabolic syndrome progression the horse is now diagnosed as type 2 diabetes.  Each progression along the metabolic syndrome course increases the likelihood and damage of an acute laminitic episode as well as the many other associated health problems accompanying this disease process.

As soon as a horse enters the IR phase the risk of laminitis begins and the risk increases as the metabolic syndrome progresses with higher levels of insulin; and during this course less of a trigger is needed to initiate an acute laminitic event. Laminitis is the most “visible” of the constellation of abnormalities that accompany the metabolic syndrome; some of the others, not immediately noticeable, are a decreased immune functioning, vascular issues, a variety of categories of anemia, and gastrointestinal problems.  Each of these serious health problems increases as the metabolic syndrome progresses.

Laminitis

Laminitis is a consequence of the equine metabolic syndrome and is not a disease in and of itself. The name describes the inflammatory process associated with the stretching and/or separation of the laminae from the coffin bone.  The resulting hoof damage must be treated as immediately as possible. We have found that an essential component of recovering the hoof from such devastating damage requires not only our solutions but also “regular” barefoot trimming by a trimmer experienced in this approach and with laminae separation.

The EMS/Cushing’s/IR Solution is the foundation herbal formula for recovery from the metabolic syndrome in all its aspects. This solution increases cellular glucose utilization thereby decreasing the elevated serum insulin levels, regulates the insulin-glucose relationship, regulates the enzyme 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-1 activity, assists in a more efficient metabolism of carbohydrates, and promotes a more alkaline intestinal environment.

Some of the observable signs and symptoms of a horse with EMS, Cushing’s or IR: polyuria (excessive urinating) polydipsia (excessive thirst and water intake) fat deposits in the shoulders, rump, above the eyes cresty necks that can get thick and hard “depressed” with lethargy Hirsutism (thick, curly coat that is late to shed) infections that are difficult to recover

Support Service Clients with horses who have EMS/Cushing's/IR or who have had a laminitic episode are welcome to submit a horse health history profile online or request the form to be sent to you by postal mail. We will then be able to assist you by email or phone to monitor and support your horse’s healing process. More Info >

Recommended Reading & Audio IR – Insulin Resistance: What is it really? The Easy Keeper: Myth and Dangers The Missing Link in Laminitis The Immune Laminitis Connection

Listen to Dr. Thomas' radio interview on the “If Your Horse Could Talk” show hosted by Lisa Ross-Williams for a thorough and enlightening presentation of The Metabolic Syndrome Progression Curve.

Horses using our EMS/Cushing’s/ IR Solution (Foundation Laminitis Solution) are having extraordinary results. Read Our Success Stories.

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