Insulin Resistance in Horses

of pregnancy can also develop the condition.
Getting Older
Close monitoring of your horse becomes even more important at certain stages of his life.
Problems typically start to develop after horses reach physical maturity when their calorie requirements drop Kellon says. It also develops quickly in susceptible horses if they have a large drop in their level of exercise.
Cases related to PPID will develop metabolic signs in their teens or 20s.
Developing laminitis for the first time later in life is often the first indication of PPID she adds.
Reaching a Definite Diagnosis
If you suspect that your horse is insulin resistant consulting with your veterinarian is the best place to start for a definitive diagnosis and treatment options.
I always advise people to test Kellon says. Looks alone are not enough for a diagnosis and its important to know how high insulin is and if glucose is normal. If a horse doesnt have a problem it can save a lot of worry and stress about feeding. Insulin can be tested at baseline fasting or nonfasting hay or pasture only and there are challenge tests where the horse is fed grain dextrose on a chopped hay base or Karo syrup.

As for the timing of testing the jury is still out on the best season and time of day. However there is anecdotal evidence that insulin levels in the bloodstream are very erratic in cold weather.
If you have an issue I would still test then and treat but realize that the insulin may level out a bit in warmer weather Kellon says. The research is divided on whether or not there is a seasonal rise in insulin in autumn. In terms of the best time of day to test if you make sure the horse has constant access to hay or pasture from the night before through the

day of testing anytime is OK. Do not exercise or ship the horse before testing.
Once a diagnosis has been reached important comorbidities to consider include laminitis and obesity.
It has been estimated that around 90 percent of all laminitis cases are caused by elevated insulin says Kellon. Obesity is a common comorbidity but not always present.
Signs of Laminitis
If you own a horse that is suspected to be insulin resistant you should become thoroughly familiar with the subtle warning signs of smoldering laminitis.
High insulin causes damage to the hoof laminae even in horses that have never had a fullblown laminitis episode says