Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) - Stall Side Testing in Melbourne

Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS): Understanding and Managing Your Horse's Health

Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) is a leading cause of laminitis in horses and ponies, particularly during spring when pasture sugars are high. At Core Equine Biomechanics, we provide stall-side EMS health screening to our patients across Greater Melbourne using the Wellness Ready® insulin test. Results are available in just 15 minutes, allowing immediate action to protect your horse’s comfort and performance.

What is Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)?

EMS is a metabolic disorder linked to insulin dysregulation. This occurs when the body produces too much insulin or when tissues become less responsive to it. This imbalance significantly increases the risk of laminitis, one of the most common causes of lameness in horses.

Affected horses may exhibit several signs, including:

• Resistance to weight loss despite restricted feeding.

• Development of fat pads, such as a cresty neck, tail head, or shoulders.

• Recurrent hoof rings or intermittent lameness.

• Concurrent endocrine diseases, such as Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID/Cushing’s).

  
  

As an experienced horse vet in Melbourne, we often see EMS in “good doers.” These horses may appear overweight and develop fat pads along the crest of the neck or tail head. They might also resist weight loss. However, not all affected horses are obese; some can look lean yet still suffer from insulin problems. Genetics can also play a role, with certain breeds being predisposed to EMS.

How Does EMS Affect Horses?

Note the lines on the hoof wall

The primary concern with EMS is laminitis, which can develop gradually. Initially, it may present as mild or intermittent lameness. Owners may notice:

• Subtle changes in gait or unwillingness to work.

• Divergent hoof rings, often referred to as “founder lines.”

• Recurrent foot soreness after turnout on pasture.

  
  

Because these changes can develop insidiously, many horses are not diagnosed until laminitis is well established. Early detection is therefore critical.

How Do We Test for EMS?

As a trusted horse vet providing services across Greater Melbourne, Core Equine is excited to offer our patients stall-side insulin testing with the Wellness Ready® system.

Traditionally, testing required laboratory analysis of blood insulin levels, resulting in delays of several days before results were available.

• Now, results are available in 15 minutes. This means we can provide answers during the consultation, guiding immediate management.

• Testing is performed with your horse in a fed state (hay or pasture, but not grain), making it practical in the field.

  
  

Dynamic tests, such as the Oral Sugar Test (OST), remain the gold standard in some settings. However, stall-side testing offers a reliable and rapid way to screen and monitor high-risk horses.

How is EMS Managed?

Management of EMS focuses on reducing insulin levels and preventing laminitis. Here are key strategies:

1. Full Health and Metabolic Assessment

• EMS often occurs alongside Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID/Equine Cushing’s Disease). Testing for both conditions together allows for more effective long-term management.

• A liver function blood profile should be considered before starting medication to ensure treatment safety.

• A comprehensive clinical assessment is valuable to evaluate the impact of laminitis or hoof inflammation, guiding the next steps in care.

  
  

2. Corrective Farriery and Imaging

• Radiographs can help identify laminitis-related changes within the hoof.

• Collaboration with your farrier ensures trimming and shoeing strategies support the recovering lamellae.

  
  

3. Dietary Strategies

• Feed a low non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) diet, ideally hay tested at <10% NSC.

• Avoid grain, cereal hays, and sugary treats.

• For overweight horses, restrict forage intake to 1.5–2% of body weight daily (dry matter), adjusting gradually for safe weight loss.

• Soaking hay can further reduce sugar content.

  
  

4. Exercise

• Regular, low- to moderate-intensity exercise improves insulin sensitivity if the horse is sound.

• For previously laminitic horses, careful reintroduction to work under veterinary guidance is essential.

  
  

5. Medications

• Medications may be considered under veterinary supervision when diet and exercise alone are insufficient. However, they need to be implemented carefully, with patients being closely monitored.

  
  

As part of our comprehensive approach, we also integrate biomechanical assessment, chiropractic care, and regenerative therapies—setting us apart as both a lameness veterinarian and horse chiropractor providing services across Greater Melbourne.

Why Act Now?

Spring and early summer are high-risk seasons due to sugar surges in pasture grass. By testing and acting early, you can:

• Identify hidden insulin problems.

• Prevent painful laminitis episodes.

• Create a tailored diet, exercise, and farriery plan with your vet.

  
  

At Core Equine Biomechanics, we combine advanced diagnostics with a holistic focus on performance and welfare. If you are searching for a trusted horse vet in Melbourne offering EMS health screening, contact us today. With stall-side results in just 15 minutes, we can create an immediate, tailored management plan for your horse.

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📩 Book your EMS screening now and protect your horse’s comfort, soundness, and performance.

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