Discussion

Aims: Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) is a syndrome of obesity, insulin resistance and a predisposition to laminitis. In order to effectively manage EMS it is vital that weight loss is achieved. The aim of this study was to quantify the efficacy of a veterinary prescribed diet and exercise plan carried out by owners in the field on weight loss and hyperinsulinaemia. Methods: Horses presenting for 3 visits to the Metabolic Management Clinic at the hospital were used in the study. Body condition score, weight (kg) and basal insulin and CGIT (first and third visits only) were recorded. Each horse received an individually tailored diet and exercise plan. Results: Nine horses were recruited. Mean time between visits was 58.6 days. In all cases total weight lost was significant (P = 0.002); mean total percentage bodyweight lost was 7.9% over a mean of 16.7 weeks. On average, 81.7% of total weight lost was between the first and second visits, with the horses losing 4 times as much weight (by %) per day between the first and second visits than between the second and third. There was an average loss of 0.67 condition scores between the first and second visits and an average loss of 0.69 condition scores between the second and third. Overall, an average loss of 1.3 condition scores (P<0.0001) was observed. Basal insulin values at the first visit (mean 55.7 miu/l) and third visit (mean 11.2 miu/l) were log transformed and the decrease was significant (P = 0.04). The average time for blood glucose to return to baseline in the CGIT at the first visit was 137.1 min and 91.0 min at the final visit. Conclusions and practical significance: This study demonstrates that owner compliance can be very good when managing EMS cases with a detailed dietary and exercise plan.