Well it wouldn’t be spring without discussing good old Insulin.
Insulin is an important hormone produced by the pancreas that allows the sugar in the food we eat, to be stored for energy when it is required.
When horses graze grass, the hormone is released, increasing blood levels of Insulin.
Horses that are overweight or have metabolic conditions such as Equine Metabolic Syndrome, get an exaggerated Insulin Spike from normal grazing. In more severe cases this spike stays high and the horse has a condition called Insulin Resistance.
Insulin resistance is diagnosed with a road side test that confirms elevated Insulin Levels.
These horses are extremely high risk for developing laminitis, and the Spring is a very risky time. In addition our winter weather conditions have been perfect for fast grass growth this Spring, increasing the risk further.
Do not wait until its too late. Have a plan ready. Bring your horses off the lush growing grass and feed them hay during the rapid grass growth period.
If your horse has put on weight over the winter, has developed a cresty neck, or has had previous laminitis, check their Insulin level.
Be proactive as laminitis has the potential for very serious long term foot damage.