Starch might affect a horses behavior but more research is needed. | The Horse StaffQ: How does the starch content in commercial concentrates affect gut health and behavior in performance horses?A: Starch is a nonstructural (or soluble) carbohydrate composed of chains of glucose molecules. Plants store starch to use as an energy source. While grains contain higher levels of starch, almost everything your horse eats, including forage, contributes to the total amount of starch consumed per day. The horses small intestine primarily breaks down starch using the enzyme amylase, and his body absorbs glucose into the bloodstream. In healthy horses this rise in blood glucose triggers the pancreas to release insulin, which enables glucose to enter insulin-sensitive cells, such as muscle. All horses need some starch to fuel essential body functions and exercise.It seems the carb issue has become the defining nutritional debate of the past 20 years or so. Lets review what the science tells us about the effects of starch on horse gut health and behavior.Starch and Horse Gut HealthToo much dietary starch can overwhelm the small intestines digestive capacity, causing it to spill into the hindgut, where microbes rapidly ferment it, producing, among others, lactic acid. This can in turn create dysbiosis, where existing bacteria in the gut experience unexpected growth and fiber-digesters might die off. This can cause digestive upset, colic, and in severe cases, kick off the cascade of laminitis.How much starch is too much? Researchers agree the amount of starch per meal should be limited to less than 2 grams/kilogram of body weight (BW) to avoid starch overload (for context, that would be equivalent to a 500-kg horse eating a 2.2-kg meal of oats). To take a more conservative approach and potentially reduce the risk for gastric ulceration, cut that recommendation in half to less than 1 g/kg BW/meal. For the most sensitive metabolic horses, reduce starch to less than 0.3 g/kg BW/meal (which still allows for 2.5-kg meals of low-starch concentrates). Levels horse owners might interpret as high starch would be considered by most equine nutritionists as moderate starch and could be beneficial for healthy performance horses when it comes to maintaining energy levels for work and for efficiently replenishing muscle glycogen after more intense exercise.Starch and Horse BehaviorTurning our attention to the behavior part of the equation, less solid data exists, and the effects of starch on a horses behavior often differ between individual horses. There is a physiological basis to the generalization that soluble carbohydrates provide more readily available energy, and fats and fibers are cooler burning. However, that does not necessarily mean sweet feed will make a horse hot, and a high-fat feed will not. The main driver of how much energy a horse has is their total calorie intake. The more calories available beyond their needs, the more fuel for activity or weight gain, whether that comes from carbs or fat. If I am attempting to give a horse a bit more zip or inspiration, I might try shifting his fuel sources toward more carbohydrates with less reliance on fat, and vice versa if the goal is to help a horse be more relaxed.Take-Home MessageSome horses with specific health issues, often benefit from low- or very low-starch diets. However, healthy performance horses can handle and might benefit from a moderate amount of starch in the diet. We might see a shift back toward the center, with more horse people acknowledging that a moderate amount of dietary soluble carbohydrate can be useful rather than something to be avoided at all costs.Do you have an equine nutrition question? Do you have an equine nutrition question? The Horses editors want to hear from you! Submit your question via the form below. Name(Required) First Last Email(Required) Submit your equine nutrition below!(Required)CAPTCHA

One horse at a boarding facility in Kitsap County, Washington, recently tested positive for respiratory equine herpesvirus. The horse also tested positive for strangles but had been vaccinated for the disease in January.The horse had been at a show in Oregon in the middle of June. He is now under official quarantine.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.EHV 101Herpesvirus is highly contagious among horses and can cause a variety of ailments in equids, including rhinopneumonitis (a respiratory disease usually found in young horses), abortion in broodmares, and EHM.In many horses, the first or only sign of EHV-1 infection is fever, which can go undetected.In addition to fever, other common signs of EHV-1 infection in young horses include cough, decreased appetite, depression, and a nasal discharge. Pregnant mares typically show no signs of infection before they abort, and abortions usually occur late in gestation (around eight months) but can be earlier. Abortions can occur anywhere from two weeks to several months following infection with EHV-1.Horses with EHM usually have a fever at the onset of the disease and might show signs of a respiratory infection. A few days later, neurologic signs such as ataxia (incoordination), weakness or paralysis of the fore- and hind limbs, urine retention and dribbling, loss of tail tone, and recumbency (inability to rise) develop.Herpesvirus is easily spread by nose-to-nose or close contact with an infectious horse; sharing contaminated equipment including bits, buckets, and towels; or clothing, hands, or equipment of people who have recently had contact with an infectious horse.Routine biosecurity measures, including hygiene and basic cleaning and disinfection practices, should be in place at all times to help prevent disease spread.Current EHV-1 vaccines might reduce viral shedding but are not protective against the neurologic form of the disease. Implementing routine biosecurity practices is the best way to minimize viral spread, and the best method of disease control is disease prevention.

According to the state veterinarian, two horses at a private facility in Uinta County, Wyoming, have tested positive for equine influenza. No additional details are available.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About Equine InfluenzaEquine influenzais a highly contagious respiratory disease that infects horses, ponies, and other equids, such as donkeys, mules, and zebras. The virus that causes it is spread via saliva and respiratory secretions from infected horses. Horses are commonly exposed via horse-to-horse contact; aerosol transmission from coughing and sneezing; and contact with humans contaminated hands, shoes, or clothes or contaminated tack, buckets, or other equipment.Clinical signs of equine influenza infection can include a high fever (up to 106F); a dry, hacking cough; depression; weakness; anorexia; serous (watery) nasal discharge; and slightly enlarged lymph nodes. Consider monitoring your horses health at shows by taking his temperature daily, which can help you pick up on signs of infection early and take appropriate measures to reduce disease spread.Vaccinationis an important and inexpensive way to protect your horse. US Equestrian requires proof that horses have had an equine influenza vaccination within the six months prior to attending organization-sanctioned competitions or events. Your veterinarian can help you determine what other vaccines your horse might benefit from.In addition to vaccinating, following strictbiosecurity protocolscan help reduce your horses chance of infection and disease. Such measures include quarantining new equine arrivals at barns, disinfecting buckets and equipment, and preventing nose-to-nose contact between horses.

Aspect Key Points Show Coat Single-breasted, colors like navy, black, or dark green, should fit well, breathable fabric. Show Shirt White, high/stand collar, logo-free, options in sleeve length, optional stock tie. Breeches and Jodhpurs Subdued colors like beige/tan, knee-patch style, neat and wrinkle-free. Footwear Tall riding boots or paddock boots, clean and polished, boot socks recommended. Helmet ASTM/SEI-approved, proper fit is critical for safety. Safety Vests Optional, important in events with jumps, essential for young riders. Riding Gloves Improved grip and control, should fit snugly. Hair and Spur Accessories Hair nets or bobby pins for neat look, spurs optional based on rules. Maintenance and Preparation Keep attire clean and pressed, have backup items and extra clothing for comfort. Resources and Guides Dover Saddlery and RJ Classics provide extensive guides and checklists. Supplements Ensure horse health and performance with equestrian supplements. The Ultimate Guide to Low-Level Horse Show AttireWelcome to the wonderful world of equestrian fashion. Whether you're stepping into the ring for the first time or looking to refine your existing wardrobe, choosing the right attire for low-level horse shows is essential. Not only will it boost your confidence and contribute to a professional appearance, but it will also ensure you're meeting competition standards for safety and style.Understanding Standard Show AttireCompeting in horse shows requires more than just excellent riding skills. A polished appearance is equally important. Lets delve into the key components of a standard low-level horse show attire:The Essential Show CoatYour show coat is the centerpiece of your equestrian outfit. Typically single-breasted and available in hues of navy, black, or dark green, the right coat should fit like a gloveneither too tight nor too loose. It should cover your backside appropriately without hanging too long, ensuring freedom of movement with breathable, stretchable fabric.A Crisp Show ShirtUnderneath the show coat, a white show shirt with a high or stand collar is essential. Whether you prefer long-sleeve, short-sleeve, or sleeveless styles, your shirt should remain logo-free, adding to the classy, neat attire. A stock tie can be included for an added touch of tradition.Breeches and JodhpursBreeches or jodhpurs in subdued colors like beige or tan are the norm. They provide the necessary flexibility and comfort for riding. Knee-patch breeches are favored, particularly in hunter classes, while younger riders often pair jodhpurs with paddock boots and garter straps. Both options, however, must be neat and wrinkle-free.The Perfect FootwearTall riding boots are a staple for most competitors, although paddock boots are acceptable depending on the discipline. Clean, polished boots complement the attire, and boot socks are recommended for added comfort.Riding Gear for Safety and StyleThe Mandatory HelmetSafety is paramount, and an ASTM/SEI-approved riding helmet isn't just essentialit's mandatory. Proper fitting is critical to ensuring your safety during competitions and practice alike.Optional Safety VestsAt certain events, particularly those involving jumps, wearing a safety vest might be required, especially for younger riders. While not part of everyday attire, these vests offer vital protection when required.Additional Accessories for Comfort and FunctionRiding Gloves for GripRiding gloves provide improved grip and control, further enhancing your performance. Choose a pair that fits snugly, offering dexterity without restricting movement.Hair and Spur AccessoriesSecuring your hair with accessories like hair nets or bobby pins contributes to a neat, professional look. Depending on personal preference and competition rules, you might also find spurs beneficial. However, they should be used judiciously, with respect for your horse's comfort.Practical Preparations for Show DayMaintain Cleanliness and ComfortTo maintain a confident, sharp appearance, ensure all attire is clean and pressed well in advance of the competition day. Unexpected weather changes or accidental spills are common, so bringing backup show items is wise.Reserve Additional ClothingExtra schooling clothes provide comfort during warm-ups and walks around the competition grounds. Preparing a complete outfit that serves as a spare can save the day if anything unexpected occurs.Explore Comprehensive ResourcesFor those eager to delve deeper into the world of equestrian fashion, resources like Dover Saddlerys guide on hunter show attire provide valuable insights. Their comprehensive guides blend visual examples with detailed explanations, ensuring youre always show-ready.Similarly, RJ Classics offers a definitive packing checklist designed for horse shows, helping you prepare thoroughly for competition day.The Finishing Touch: Equestrian SupplementsYour attire is only a part of the competitive equation. Maintaining a healthy, vibrant horse is equally crucial. Explore equestrian supplements to ensure your horse shines in health and performance.ConclusionThorough preparation and attention to detail are the keys to succeeding in low-level horse shows. By following these guidelines and equipping yourself with the best attire from Just Horse Riders, you are ensuring both yourself and your horse make a statement in the ring. Remember, a confident demeanor translates to a strong performance, and nothing boosts confidence like a well-prepared, well-dressed rider.```html```

On July 24, two horses in South Carolina tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), including a 5-year-old stallion in Jasper County and a 5-year-old mare in Aiken County. The mare was euthanized after developing neurological signs.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.EEE 101Eastern equine encephalomyelitis is caused by the Eastern equine encephalitis virus, for which wild birds are a natural reservoir. Mosquitoes that feed on EEE-infected birds can transmit the virus to humans, horses, and other birds. Horses do not develop high enough levels of these viruses in their blood to be contagious to other animals or humans. Because of the high mortality rate in horses and humans, EEE is regarded as one of the most serious mosquito-borne diseases in the United States.Tips for preventing mosquito-borne diseases include:Avoid mosquito bites: Use insect repellent when outdoors, especially from dusk to dawn.Look for EPA-labeled products containing active ingredients such as DEET, picaridin (KBR3023), or oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-menthane 3,8-diol).Apply more repellent, according to label instructions, if mosquitoes start to bite.Mosquito-proof homes: Fix or install window and door screens, and cover or eliminate empty containers with standing water where mosquitoes can lay eggs.Protect your horses: Veterinarians recommend commercially available licensedvaccines against EEE for all horses in the U.S. Horses should be vaccinated at least annually (recommendations vary in high-risk areas). Its not too late this year to vaccinate your horses.Use approved insect repellents to protect horses.If possible, put horses in stables, stalls, or barns during the prime mosquito exposure hours of dusk and dawn.Eliminate standing water, drain water troughs, and empty buckets at least weekly.Stock water tanks with fish that consume mosquito larvae (contact your local mosquito control for assistance), or use mosquito dunks (soliddonuts ofBacillus thuringiensis israelensis, which are nontoxic to horses) available at hardware stores.

On July 24, a 16-year-old draft-cross gelding in Berks County, Pennsylvania, tested positive for Potomac horse fever. The horse developed clinical signs on July 12, including fever, increased heart rate, decreased gut sounds, decreased manure production, and toxic mucous membranes. The horse was treated with oxytetracycline and has recovered.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About Potomac Horse FeverPotomac horse fever is caused byNeorickettsia risticii, an organism found in parasites, called flukes (flatworms), that infects aquatic snails and insects. Horses can be infected by ingesting insects carrying Potomac horse fever or by drinking water containingN. risticii. Additionally, horses can get Potomac horse fever by inadvertently consuming infected insects or parasites in feed, water, or on pasture.The incubation period for Potomac horse fever is between one and three weeks, and the mortality rate is up to 30%. Whilevaccines against Potomac horse feverare not 100% effective, vaccinated horses tend to have fewer and less severe clinical signs.Most Potomac horse fever cases are reported in July through September, and outbreaks tend to be seasonal.Horse owners and caretakers, especially those who keep their horses near creeks and rivers, shouldwatch for signs including:DiarrheaColicLoss of appetiteLethargyToxic shockDehydrationAbortion in pregnant maresLaminitisMild to severe fever.

Using a hay net can help reduce hay waste.| Erica Larson/The HorseQ: My horse throws quite a bit of his feed out of his bucket every time he eats. He does his best to clean it off the ground, but I worry he might not be getting all his supplements or could be lacking nutrients because he isnteating all his feed.He also likes to spread his hay around the stall. Could this be affecting his health? Is there any way to prevent him from doing this?A: With horse ownership, being able to evaluate our horses behaviors and recognize areas in which our management might not be ideal is a great way to continually improve our horses well-being. Whenever there are issues with feed consumption, first contact your veterinarian to rule out any dental or other health issues. Your horse might also have some nutritional deficiencies because he is not consuming his full ration, which can have detrimental effects on his health.Nutritional Deficiencies in Equine DietsOftentimes we make a significant investment in time spent designing a balanced diet for our horses and in money for high-quality feed and supplement products, so it is important that our horses eat all of their daily ration on a regular basis. Whether the product is a ration balancer, or a performance feed, it has been formulated to be fed in specific quantities to meet your horses nutritional requirements. If he continually doesnt eat the full amount he needs, this can create deficiencies.Horse Foraging BehaviorWhenever you observe an unusual behavior in your horse, first take a step back and evaluate how the horse has evolved. In this situation realize that horses are selective grazers, which means they sort their feed and hay to pick and choose what to eat. For concentrates and supplements, this is mostly eliminated due to processes such as pelleting, extruding, or even soaking and mixing the feed products.Reducing your horses foraging behavior in hay can be more challenging, and one of the concerns is that when a horse spreads his hay throughout his stall and then defecates on it, he will no longer eat it. This could result in him not eating enough forage, which has various health implications such as an increased risk of gastric ulcers. Boredom or stress can also be a factor when horses spill feed and, in these cases, enrichment such as slow-feeding tactics can help reduce feed-spreading and boredom while stalled.In your question you mention the horse is fed in a stall, but if this issue was also present outdoors, there could be a greater risk of him ingesting sand or dirt. This could increase the likelihood of digestive issues such as colic.Reducing Your Horses Food WasteRemember that horses are individuals, and what works best for one horse might not be ideal for the next. If your horse regularly spills feed, one option is to try different bucket types to see if that helps solve the problem.If your horse spills his feed from a bucket mounted to the wall, you could try feeding him in a large feed pan on the ground to reduce spilling. There are also feed options such as grain bags the horse can wear while he eats his meal to prevent waste.This tactic can also be applied to hay. Manufacturers have designed several hay feeders to reduce hay waste by keeping forage contained within the feeder, such as hay balls and hay nets.Take-Home MessageIf your horse continually fails to finish his feed, consult an equine nutritionist who can help you design a nutrition program involving smaller meals or different products to meet your horses nutritional needs.Overall, spilling feed and spreading hay around the stall is not ideal because we want to ensure our horses consistently receive their daily balanced rations. If your veterinarian has ruled out dentition and other health issues, experiment with different feeding buckets and hay feeders in your horses stall to limit the amount of feed wasted. Consider adding environmental enrichments to his stall, such as slow feeders or toys, to try to remedy some of the issues.Do you have an equine nutrition question? Do you have an equine nutrition question? The Horses editors want to hear from you! Submit your question via the form below. Name(Required) First Last Email(Required) Submit your equine nutrition below!(Required)CAPTCHA

How horses go from metabolic to laminitic and ways to manage themA fat horse on rich grass is at risk for developing endocrine disorders that can snowball into laminitis. | Photo: iStockThe pasture is particularly verdant this year. Several plump horses contentedly graze their way across the fetlock-deep field in the fog after a particularly cool spring night. This might look like something out of a bucolic period film, but the scene is not as innocuous as it might appear. Several of its features portend potential problems for horses turned out to eat to their hearts content. A fat horse on rich grass is at risk of developing endocrine disorders that can snowball into laminitis.The Facts About Endocrine-Related LaminitisLaminitis occurs when the laminae (or lamellae)the tissues that suspend the coffin bone within the hoof capsulebecome damaged and inflamed. In severe cases they separate, releasing the coffin bone to rotate downward or sink.Laminitis is not just localized to the feet, howeverits also a systemic disease. Only 12% of owner-reported laminitis cases occur due to causes such as colic, diarrhea, retained placenta, or grain overload. The rest are related to diet or obesity and/or systemic endocrine disorders, namely equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) and pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID, previously referred to as equine Cushings disease).Equine Metabolic SyndromeEquine metabolic syndrome is not a singular disease but, rather, a compilation of risk factors contributing to endocrinopathic laminitis. Typically, EMS horses are obese with excessive fat deposition and a cresty neck score of at least 3 out of 5. They are predisposed to that weight gain and refractory to weight loss programs. As easy keepers, they tend to develop generalized or regional adiposity (fat pads) if fed too many calories.Statistics indicate that 51% of mature light-breed horses in the United States are obese. But not all easy keepers on high-calorie diets develop EMS or laminitis. A genetic component might contribute to body condition and alterations in endocrine factors.Additionally, thin horses of high-risk breeds can develop endocrinopathic laminitis from other risk factorshorses dont have to be obese to be susceptible, says Jane Manfredi, DVM, MS, PhD, Dipl. ACVS-LA, ACVSMR, assistant professor at Michigan State Universitys College of Veterinary Medicine, in East Lansing. Just losing weight isnt always enough to avoid endocrine issues.The nutrition and body condition of a pregnant mare could be another contributing factor to a foals endocrine state later in life.Intestinal health might also play a role. Less species diversity in the intestinal microbiome is reported in EMS horses, similar to that experienced by humans with metabolic syndrome, says Manfredi. Additionally, human metabolic syndrome has been linked with a loss of intestinal barrier function leading to increased intestinal permeability, referred to as leaky gut syndrome, which adds to systemic inflammation, which could also be occurring in horses.Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are also associated with EMS, with reports that they alter gene expression and affect metabolism. Many EDCs persist in fat for prolonged periods, says Manfredi.Laminitis can be secondary to PPID, a disease primarily of older horses that causes abnormal hair growth, shedding, and fat distribution. | Photo: iStockPPIDThe other predominant endocrine condition that can lead to laminitis is PPID, which is caused by dysfunction of the pituitary pars intermedia, usually in aged horses. That portion of the pituitary gland overdevelops, leading to excessive production of pituitary hormones, particularly adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH), which in turn amplifies cortisol (the stress hormone) secretion from the adrenal glands. Horses with PPID grow shaggy hair and dont shed normally, their fat is distributed abnormally, and they experience muscle wastage. They tend to drink and urinate excessively and are prone to sinus infections, hoof abscesses, and poor wound healing. Infertility is another common complaint. In 32% of PPID-affected horses, excess circulating insulin (hyperinsulinemia) amplifies the risk of developing laminitis.Insulin DysregulationA consequence of obesity thats present in many PPID horses is insulin dysregulation (ID), which can further lead to laminitis. Normally, dietary glucose gets absorbed into the bloodstream to stimulate the pancreas to secrete insulin. With ID, cells fail to respond to insulins hormonal signals to take up glucose into muscle, liver, and fat cells for storage or metabolism. The pancreas then secretes more and more insulin in an attempt to signal glucose uptake.Normally, the liver clears nearly three-quarters of secreted insulin. Obese horses and/or those with insulin dysregulation cannot clear it as well.Adiposity isnt the only thing that creates insulin overload; intestinal changes contribute, as well. Specialized endocrine cells present throughout the gastrointestinal tract are distributed along the mucosal surface that lines the gut, says Manfredi. Their interaction with intestinal microbiota increases secretion of incretin (stimulating a decrease in blood glucose levels) hormones such as glucagonlike peptides (GLP1 and 2) in response to high nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) meals, like grain. GLPs are implicated in inducing more pronounced and undesirable insulin responses.Cathy McGowan, BVSc, MACVSc, DEIM, Dipl. ECEIM, PhD, FHEA, FRCVS, head of the Department of Equine Clinical Science at the University of Liverpool, in the U.K., has pioneered enlightening research into endocrinopathic laminitis. She describes insulins effect on the hoof and, in particular, the lamellae.Insulin alters the messages or signaling within lamellar epithelial cells of the hoof, causing them to change their structuremorphing from nice firm little boxes to unstructured blobs with stretched lamellae that wont spring back, she explains. This is due to disruption of the cells cytoskeleton (structural shape). Think of a rubber band that loses its spring when left out in the sun. Then imagine, the harder you force that rubber band out of shape (i.e., the more weight put on the hooves), the more it deforms with the potential to break.Signs of Endocrinopathic LaminitisHoof rings that are wider at the heel and widening of the white line region are signs a horse has or is about to develop laminitis. | Photo: Courtesy Travis Burns / Dr. R. Scott PleasantEndocrine-associated laminitis starts with a sometimes-lengthy subclinical (nonapparent) phase that causes chronic changes in the hoof capsule. McGowan says it can develop without warning.However, as soon as a horse starts developing telltale divergent hoof rings that are wider at the heel, we know it is a prime candidate for full-blown laminitis any day, she says. Some horses can have over a years worth of bouts of laminitis with rings extending all the way down the hoof wall, yet have never shown laminitis lameness. Others have more obvious signs, including flaring or distortion of the dorsal hoof wall, a flat or convex sole, and widening of the white line region. These horses are really trying to tell their owners something.In other forms of acute and severe laminitis related to systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) that develops fromcolitis (inflammation of the colon),endotoxemia (presence of an endotoxin in the blood), uterine infection, or grain overload, inflammatory cells infiltrate the lamellae. The basement membrane that binds lamellar cells together disintegrates, and the lamellae quickly fail. This does not occur with endocrine laminitis, which tends to creep up more slowly, says McGowan.Armed with the knowledge that most laminitis cases are attributable to systemic endocrine disease, we can implement proactive steps for prevention and treatment. Again, visible changes in the hoof capsule, such as the growth rings, can be evident for months before an affected horse shows lameness. This delay gives owners the opportunity to intervene to control insulin dysfunction. The objective of therapeutic strategies is to prevent stretching and deformation of the lamellae that can ultimately lead to painful laminitis.Now lets look at two real-life endocrinopathic laminitis cases to see how the horses veterinarians and owners managed them.1. A Typical Case of EMS LaminitisAn Arabian gelding was actively ridden until the spring of his 17th year, when he suddenly became lame. His owner noticed him being a little off over the course of a few weeks and finally acknowledged that her various excuses for why this could behard, dry ground; deep snow; uneven terrain; muddid not add up. She was unclear as to which front leg was lame. Over the course of a week, he became worsewalking stiff-legged and obviously painful. She said it was difficult to pick up a foot for cleaning.His veterinary exam pointed to clinical laminitis. He had increased (bounding) digital pulses (felt at the back of the fetlock) in both front legs. It was painful for him to turn in a tight circle in either direction. Recent trimming revealed obvious pink areas on his soles, something hed not had previously. In addition, his body condition score was 7 (on the Henneke scale of 1 to 9), which is significantly overweight. The veterinarian could not feel the geldings ribs through the overlying fat layer, his neck had developed a pronounced crest, and he had fat deposits over his shoulders, rump, tailhead, and sheath area. Such fat deposits also generate pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are substances that increase systemic inflammation. He had puffy, swollen areas around his eye orbits, which tend to correspond with PPID.This horse, whose ideal body weight was 900 pounds, was being fed a disproportionate diet of 18-20 pounds of grass hay a day, plus beet pulp mash and rice bran supplementation. This would be a hefty diet even for a hard-exercising 1,000-pound horse.The veterinarian had little doubt this horse was suffering from EMS-related laminitis but was also concerned about concurrent PPID, despite his relatively young age. Researchers have found thatEMS horses are more at risk of developing PPID, potentially showing signs as early as 10 to 15 years of age. More advanced signs, such as shaggy hair coat and erratic shedding, puffy eyes, topline muscle wasting, and a pot-bellied appearance, take longer to appear despite ongoing hormonal dysregulation. Recurrent laminitis is sometimes the initial presenting sign. Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction also causes immune suppression and, so, leads to a greater likelihood of developing chronic infections. In addition, cortisol concentrations elevate, which is significant because cortisol decreases insulin sensitivity in the tissues, predisposing these horses to ID and laminitis.Testing blood ACTH concentrations before and after intravenous administration of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) is a reliable way to identify early cases of PPID. This horses test results confirmed the veterinarians suspicions. She immediately started him on pergolide therapy to treat PPID and recommended therapeutic boots as hoof support. She restricted him to 15 pounds of hay (as weighed on a scale) per day, which is within the recommended 1.4-1.7% range of his expected normal body weight for weight loss. She eliminated all other supplements from his diet other than a pelleted dietary balancer (less than 1 pound per day) and free-choice salt. The owner placed his hay in a slow feeder to slow intake and to provide his intestines with small amounts of forage over more time.Slow feeders as part of a restricted diet program let foraging time better approximate natural grazing, says Manfredi. Offer multiple small meals of hay, ideally three times a day. Once the food is gone, no more is to be fed.Prior to feeding, the owner soaked the hay for an hour to remove as much sugar as possible, then poured off and discarded the soaking water.Once his laminitis lameness resolved, the horse was turned out for short periods in the early morning hours, particularly when night temperatures exceeded 40 degrees Fahrenheit. (Grass sugar levelspeak in the afternoon and during colder night temperatures.) He wore agrazing muzzleto restrict his intake while still getting light turnout exercise. Grazing muzzles reduce dry matter intake by 77-83%, and exercise helps improve insulin sensitivity.With these strategies the gelding maintained a good prognosis, because he had no obvious radiographic changes in the position or structure of the coffin bone within the hoof capsule.While any horse fed a diet rich in calories and NSCs is at risk of developing EMS, Arabians, Morgans, Paso Finos, ponies, Saddlebreds, Warmbloods, and various other breeds tend to be easy keepers with a genetic propensity to lay down fat. These individuals are more at risk for developing EMS than other breeds, and their owners should be proactive about managing weight and body condition.2. Fighting Obesity and EMSGrazing muzzles restrict laminitis-prone horses grass intake while still allowing them turnout. | Photo: iStockDuring a regular spring visit, a veterinarian noticed one patient, a 7-year-old Rocky Mountain horse gelding, was considerably overweight, with a body condition score of 7. Due to her concern that he was developing EMS, she recommended the owner put him on a strict diet, exercise him as much as possible, and only turn him out with a grazing muzzle. About six months later his farrier identified divergent growth rings in his hoof walls and widening of the white line. The gelding soon became overtly lame.At that time his BCS had elevated to 8, although the owner believed the horse had lost weight. So she had turned him out on green spring grass for four hours a day. The digital pulses in both his front feet had increased. The veterinarian immediately prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, therapeutic boots, and stall confinement. She advised the owner use a slow-feed haynet with 1.5-by-1.5-inch holes to slow his eating and eliminate insulin surges. She recommended a diet of 16 pounds of soaked hay a day, split into multiple meals in the owners net.On radiographs it was clear the horses thin soles were dropped, so he now was relatively flat-footed, adding to his discomfort. He also displayed slight rotation of the coffin bone in both front hooves and thickening of the hoof walls due to scar tissue from chronic inflammatory bouts. The veterinarian talked with the horses farrier about improving alignment of the coffin bone and hoof capsule and squaring back the toes to decrease the lever-arm pull of the deep digital flexor tendon on the coffin bone.The owner kept the horse off pasture and he improved, not experiencing another laminitic bout for two years despite still being overweight. Then, he experienced a recurrence. (A two-year study of 300 laminitis cases found that one-third of horses develop recurrent laminitis, particularly if their insulin elevates and/or they experienced a high lameness grade in their initial diagnosis.)Testing showed that the horses hay was acceptably low in carbohydrates and sugarsideally, NSC content should be less than 10%. At this point other medication strategies seemed necessary. The veterinarian placed the horse on levothyroxine (a thyroid supplement) for several months to increase his metabolic rate to burn excess energy and improve weight loss. When possible, this strategy works best in conjunction with exercise. (Veterinarians dont recommend exercise in the painful horse, of course.)Given the potential for heart issues secondary to thyroid oversupplementation as shown in recent racehorse research, owners should supplement carefully, says Manfredi.The horse also received metformin (an oral antihyperglycemic drug used to treat type-2 diabetes mellitus in humans) 30-60 minutes prior to feeding to reduce glucose absorption from the gut, although Manfredi says results are variable due to poor oral bioavailability (absorption rate). He receivedvitamin Eand an omega-3 fatty acid supplement.This horses resting insulin levels before starting the medication were extremely high; three months later, they were within an acceptable normal range, and his BCS was 6 for the first time in years. Resting insulin is not always the most reliable testing process for predicting ID or laminitis recurrence, but it provided information in this case. McGowan says there is merit in using post-feeding insulin values as a monitoring tool because they more closely approximate the insulin response to a horses actual diet. A more labor-intensive evaluation involves dynamic testing with standardized sugar administration to compare insulin and glucose responses to levels before and 60 and 120 minutes after sugar challenge.In cases like this Manfredi says other possible therapies, including one shes investigatinga blend of resveratrol and amino acids, including leucinehelp decrease inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity. Another medication scientists are currently studying for use in ID horses is velagliflozin (a sodium-glucose-linked transport inhibitor), for its ability to increase glucose excretion through the urinary tract.Take-Home MessageSeeing your horse every day can make it difficult to recognize body condition changes over time. Controlling obesity is paramount to controlling insulin dysfunction and endocrinopathic laminitis. Take frequent photographs and girth measurements to track weight gain or loss. Learn how to evaluate body condition scores and whats ideal. And consult your veterinarian about blood tests to monitor your horses insulin responses, ACTH concentrations, response to oral sugar challenge tests, and other levels.Refrain from overfeeding your horse, and especially restrict or eliminate pasture turnout during periods of high sugar accumulation in grass. Your veterinarian can help tailor a dietary program that provides sufficient and safe levels of nutrients compatible with your horses needs. Implement lifestyle changes that include not only dietary controls but also regular exercise for your horse.Editors note: This article was originally published in the March 2020 issue of The Horse: Your Guide to Equine Health Care.

The Kansas Department of Agriculture has confirmed that one horse in Harper County has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV).EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.WNV 101West Nile virusis transmitted to horses via bites from infected mosquitoes. Not all infected horses show clinical signs, but those that do can exhibit:Flulike signs, where the horse seems mildly anorexic and depressed;Fine and coarse muscle and skin fasciculation (involuntary twitching);Hyperesthesia (hypersensitivity to touch and sound);Changes in mentation (mental activity), when horses look like theyre daydreaming or just not with it;Occasional drowsiness;Propulsive walking (driving or pushing forward, often without control); andSpinal signs, including asymmetrical weakness; andAsymmetrical or symmetrical ataxia.West Nile virus has no cure. However, some horses can recover with supportive care. Equine mortality rates can reach 30-40%.Studies have shown thatvaccines can be effective WNV prevention tools. Horses vaccinated in past years need an annual booster shot, but veterinarians might recommend two boosters annuallyone in the spring and another in the fallin areas with prolonged mosquito seasons. In contrast, previously unvaccinated horses require a two-shot vaccination series in a three- to six-week period. It takes several weeks for horses to develop protection against the disease following complete vaccination or booster administration.In addition to vaccinations, owners should work to reduce mosquito population and breeding areas and limit horses mosquito exposure by:Removing stagnant water sources;Dumping, cleaning, and refilling water buckets and troughs regularly;Keeping animals inside during insect feeding times (typically early in the morning and evening); andApplying mosquito repellents approved for equine use.