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Horses Needed for Equine Metabolic Syndrome StudyBy Kentucky Equine Research Staff · April 25, 2011
Researchers from several universities are collaborating on a study to investigate the occurrence and genetic pattern of equine metabolic syndrome (EMS). Horses with EMS show signs such as obesity, a cresty neck, elevated blood insulin levels, and an increased risk for the development of laminitis. These horses are often easy keepers, gaining weight even on severely restricted diets. It is thought that a genetic predisposition causes some horses to develop EMS, while other horses on identical feeding and management plans are not affected.
The purpose of the current study is to increase understanding of the roles of breed, gender, age, diet, exercise, and genetics in horses that develop EMS. In order to obtain information about these horses, the researchers are asking for help from owners of affected horses. It is hoped that this type of study will lead to ways of identifying susceptible horses before they develop laminitis or show other signs of EMS. At-risk horses could then be managed in ways that would minimize the development of disease signs.
Participation in the study will begin with a brief survey filled out by a horse's owner. If the horse is selected for the study, the owner will be asked to fill out a second, more involved survey regarding the horse's diet and exercise schedule. Owners will also be asked to submit selected body measurements and photos of the horse.
Horses included in the study will need to have a blood sample taken by a veterinarian. The sample will be tested for levels of insulin, glucose, lipids, and adrenocorticotropic hormone. A portion of the blood sample will be used for DNA isolation and stored for genetic research. Samples of feed, hay, and pasture grasses will also be submitted and analyzed. Owners and their veterinarians will receive notification of the results from all analyses.
Interested horse owners can learn more about the equine metabolic research project by visiting the study's website.
