Equine Metabolic Syndrome and Insulin Dysregulation.

Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) is defined as a collection of metabolic and clinical features that contribute to the development of hyperinsulinemia-associated laminitis (HAL). Insulin dysregulation (ID) is the hallmark feature of EMS and a risk factor for development of HAL. There are several diagnostic tests that can be used to diagnose various forms of ID in horses and ponies. Treatment of EMS/ID includes providing an appropriate diet, exercise program, and pharmacologic intervention in some severe cases.