Post by Admin on Aug 4, 2005 10:29:12 GMT 1
Subject : Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From : Copied from AHS website to here to spread awareness
Date : 24.02.05 9:42:00 AM
Laminitis Update
Robert Eustace BVSc, Cert EO Cert EP FRCVS
Director of the Laminitis Clinic © 2003
A lethal disease is sweeping the UK horse and pony population. Presently there is no cure and the disease is not fully understood. The disease has been given the acronym ODL, which stands for Obesity Dependant Laminitis. Horse vets are so concerned that this year, two international conferences have been convened to discuss the problem. Although the disease can strike any horse it most commonly affects animals carrying excess body weight. The symptoms can vary from a quite insidious onset, to a sudden attack which leaves the horse in considerable distress and pain, often unable to rise. The organs affected vary but usually involve the gut, liver, kidney and feet. The eyes are affected in the early stages, giving a dull slightly cloudy appearance. Approximately 20% of cases have to be destroyed and the remainder are usually left crippled for life. As yet no infective organisms, such as bacteria or viruses, have been consistently isolated from affected horses. Horses are being struck down at grass, whilst stabled and in work. Professor Philip Johnson of the University of Missouri, a pioneer researcher into ODL, comments "Greater than 30 new pharmaceuticals are in various stages of research. However, it will likely take many years before any of these drugs are shown to be useful and safe in horses."
There is an increasing awareness amongst vets and researchers that the incidence of the disease is associated with certain types of feeding and management practices which can lead to abnormal hormonal activity, changing the way the horse's energy metabolism operates. A side effect of this hormonal activity is a subtle change in the horse's shape as it develops swellings on the top of the neck, around the loins and tail head and the udder or sheath. These swellings can be very difficult to get rid of. Once these changes have taken place, clinical experience indicates that many horses become metabolic cripples for life. They are unable to handle their food normally and are subject to the devastating effects of ODL. Researchers are becoming increasingly convinced that the predisposing factors to ODL begin early n the horse's life. Professor Johnson states "Management practices that promote the development of (ODL) are likely initiated during the first 10 years of the horse's life". Experience of vets involved with the condition indicates that although the disease is devastating in affected horses, in many cases it can be prevented. So what are the feeds and management practices which we should avoid in order to safeguard the horses we love and cherish?
Danger Feeds:
Avoid any feeds high in calories, particularly those containing soluble carbohydrates (sugars and starches).
o Rich pasture containing grasses such as rye, especially during spring, early summer and autumn when grass growth is at an optimum
o Highly molassed concentrates and chaffs (feel the product for stickiness)
o Coarse mixes which contain any cereals (even barley)
o High energy cubes as these contain elevates levels of cereal for energy
o Straights (cereals)
When fed to horses and ponies, particularly in excess of their energy needs, these feeds start the disease process by making the animal lay down fat. In fact it is the fat cells within the abdomen which secrete the abnormal hormones which upset the horse's metabolism so badly.
Beware, the danger feeds can also lead not only to ODL but osteochondrosis when fed to young growing horses.
Safe feeds:
Choose forage feeds, which are high digestible fibre but low in calories:
o Alfalfa - either dehydrated as in many chaffs, or sun dried (in hay form) although this is more difficult to find.
o Hay - look for a source high in timothy and fescues and low in rye.
o Straw - dust free is the key phrase here. Look for good quality oat straw as this is digested better than barley and wheat. Avoid if it is not clean.
o Unmolassed sugar beet - an excellent form of medium energy in a digestible fibre form. Soak to manufacturer recommendations. Avoid molassed sugar beet.
Do not feed by volume (i.e. by the scoop). Weigh and record daily levels of feed. By doing this it is not so easy to overfeed
Prevention is better than cure
ODL is a man-made management disease and the secret to managing horses to avoid ODL is to make sure you keep your horse at a condition score of 2 ½ to 3. That is not so thin that you can see his ribs but so that you can feel them easily when you run your hand along his side. He should not be allowed to carry fatty swellings along his crest or loins or sheath as this immediately puts him at high risk of ODL.
o Use a grazing muzzle during the months of grass growth but make sure to follow the manufacturer's instruction on fitting and application.
o Top excess grass or graze with sheep
o Strip graze or fence off a 'starvation' paddock
When limiting grazing, the addition of hay may be necessary.
"Condition" is fat. "Show condition" is obese. You can make your horse fit and healthy by developing muscle tone through exercise without the need to have him fat. Until owners begin to understand how their predilection for obese animals is directly responsible for the high incidence of ODL, hundreds of horses will continue to die every year. Intentionally encouraging a horse to develop a disease is cruelty.
Owners must stop creating the 'feel-good factor and the sense of well-being' for their own benefit. A plump horse is not a healthy horse.
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From : Val (toons&co)
Date : 24.02.05 9:55:00 AM
Thank you for this. Mainly confirms what I knew. Wish there was something equivalent to the laminitis clinic on the continent as this problem is not restricted to the UK.
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From :
Date : 24.02.05 10:03:00 AM
Thanks for this, very interesting.
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From :
Date : 24.02.05 2:57:00 PM
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From : Sutton
Date : 24.02.05 3:18:00 PM
I went to one of the conferences mentioned, Dodson and Horrell and Phil Johnson spoke at that conference with particular reference to insulin resistence. There were some very interesting and NEW points raised by all speakers in the morning regarding laminitis. I suggest any one interested contacts Dodson and Horrell for their Applied Conference Proceedings to try to get a complete picture of how things are coming together regarding laminitis. The bottom line is, however, that there is no supplement whatsoever that can prevent it. It is the whole package that you have to look at for the individual animal. My shettie suffers from laminitis and he has a condition score of 2.5, no excess fat on him whatsoever. I agree that early obesity can leave the pony at risk for laminitis at a later date even when the weight is off them. I think that may be what happened to my shettie as at four he was a chunky monkey but did not show any signs of a laminitic problem.
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From : Wendy
Date : 24.02.05 4:17:00 PM
Ah thanks for that info Sutton
)
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From : gill mcg
Date : 24.02.05 4:46:00 PM
I think this needs to be permanently kept at the top - especially as we head into spring.........
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From :
Date : 24.02.05 6:01:00 PM
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From : katie
Date : 24.02.05 6:29:00 PM
As an owner of a laminitic I find these threads very interesting. Thankyou for putting it on here:O)
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From : gb
Date : 24.02.05 7:55:00 PM
Also for anyone that doesn't know, sudden change of diet can trigger laminitis, ie. with the onset of spring looming the sudden rich grass for example.
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From : Wendy
Date : 24.02.05 8:34:00 PM
Also, grass that has been frozen and then is suddenly exposed to sunlight and warmer temperatures can be dangerous! Just thinking of you all with the snow up there.
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From :
Date : 25.02.05 10:14:00 AM
up
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From :
Date : 27.02.05 8:13:00 PM
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From : Janet
Date : 27.02.05 9:01:00 PM
Thanks for all the info, my pony had laminitis last year for the first time, now the word 'laminitis haunt me. He's on a diet, well both my ponies are on a diet, they have hifi lite with a handful of high fibre cubes in the evening with a couple of sections of hay in the morning and at night, they are on a bare paddock. the laminitic is stabled at night, the other is out unrugged.
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From : Ann NF
Date : 27.02.05 9:26:00 PM
A timely reminder. Thank you.
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From : Lyn
Date : 27.02.05 9:53:00 PM
A reminder that frost can also cause Lami.
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From : Amanda (S Yorks)
Date : 28.02.05 10:41:00 AM
This is something that I'm currently worried about with regards to my mare so I'm taking pretty drastic action with regards to management changes for her this year.
I'm going to have her tested for Insulin resistance too, hopefully she isn't but it's a possibility.
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From :
Date : 30.03.05 9:21:00 AM
up
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From :
Date : 30.03.05 10:12:00 AM
should keep 'upping' this so all can see it!
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From : Nicola
Date : 30.03.05 10:57:00 AM
excellent - thank you for posting this.
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From : gill mcg
Date : 30.03.05 11:25:00 AM
This is the bit I think people find the hardest to swallow:
"ODL is a man-made management disease and the secret to managing horses to avoid ODL is to make sure you keep your horse at a condition score of 2 ½ to 3"
A score of 3 is actually underweight to most people......
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From :
Date : 30.03.05 11:30:00 AM
www.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/asc/asc145/asc145.htm
Link re condition scoring with photo examples.
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From : Wendy
Date : 30.03.05 11:30:00 AM
I should read this when I get criticised for keeping all my horses off our pasture. I'll have to print out the article and put it on my notice board to serve as a reminder!
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From : Wendy
Date : 30.03.05 11:35:00 AM
Thanks for the link above. Just to point out: that link refers to a 9 point scoring system, whereas Robert Eastace is referring to the 5 point scoring system. So a 2.5 - 3 would relate to a 4 - 5 on that 9 point scoring system.
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From :
Date : 30.03.05 11:53:00 AM
Thanks for pointing this out Wendy... Nearly had a heart attack.
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From :
Date : 30.03.05 12:32:00 AM
Just a question, a horse I know is grossly fat, the owner works him and feeds him very little. There is little grass as it is moorland. He also has a very swollen sheath and I have heard that no weight loss and swollen sheaths can indicate insulin resistance. Could he have this, even though he hasn't had laminitis?
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From :
Date : 30.03.05 12:54:00 AM
what is the whole fat sheath thing?? can someone explain this link?
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From : Wendy
Date : 30.03.05 1:54:00 PM
Jackie Taylor would be the one to ask about insulin resistance but I should think that it is possible for a horse to be insulin resistant without having had a laminitic attack - yet..
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From :
Date : 30.03.05 2:49:00 PM
I always thought fat ponies/horses were more likely to get laminitis - how is this new info??
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From : Wendy
Date : 30.03.05 8:03:00 PM
It's new because it points out that the lifestyle can make them metabolic 'cripples for life' no matter how fat they are in future, and that the metabolism is seriously affected within the first 10 years of life. Also, there is now clear direction about the food that must be avoided for all horses and ponies. Owing to management practises and types of enriched grazing available (often grazing converted from cattle to horses) the disease is reaching epidemic proportions. Plus, robert Eustance recommends horses being BELOW a condition score of 3 - whereas most are above it, and some by a considerable degree.
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From : JackieJATaylor
Date : 30.03.05 8:32:00 PM
Certainly they are Insulin resistant before getting laminitis - years of insulin resistance is usually the CAUSE of the laminitis!
Excess weight causes and worsens IR, we have long known this. But it is my experience that IR is often the cause of weightgain too, ie it can come first.
Both veterinary and human researchers assume that the fat patient before them is insulin resistant because of their weight, but it is not always so, and the researchers are starting to realise this now.
We also seem to be seeing a lot more of a Pre-Cushing's IR syndrome, some people, including me, believe a large percentage of the new 'epidemic' of IR are in this category. Whether that is because long term IR causes Cushing's eventually, or early Cushing's is being recognised when there is nothing more than IR showing on blood tests remains to be confirmed.
Jackie
groups.yahoo.com/group/TheMetabolicH
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From : Wendy
Date : 31.03.05 10:29:00 AM
I've been watching the news and reading up about insulin resistance (syndrome X) in humans, which is also reaching epidemic proportions. The answer for us too seems to be more fibre, fewer empty carbohydrates! It's so funny that we say "my horse is my mirror" and there we have people and domestic horses developing life threatening metabolic conditions in ever increasing numbers.
From : Copied from AHS website to here to spread awareness
Date : 24.02.05 9:42:00 AM
Laminitis Update
Robert Eustace BVSc, Cert EO Cert EP FRCVS
Director of the Laminitis Clinic © 2003
A lethal disease is sweeping the UK horse and pony population. Presently there is no cure and the disease is not fully understood. The disease has been given the acronym ODL, which stands for Obesity Dependant Laminitis. Horse vets are so concerned that this year, two international conferences have been convened to discuss the problem. Although the disease can strike any horse it most commonly affects animals carrying excess body weight. The symptoms can vary from a quite insidious onset, to a sudden attack which leaves the horse in considerable distress and pain, often unable to rise. The organs affected vary but usually involve the gut, liver, kidney and feet. The eyes are affected in the early stages, giving a dull slightly cloudy appearance. Approximately 20% of cases have to be destroyed and the remainder are usually left crippled for life. As yet no infective organisms, such as bacteria or viruses, have been consistently isolated from affected horses. Horses are being struck down at grass, whilst stabled and in work. Professor Philip Johnson of the University of Missouri, a pioneer researcher into ODL, comments "Greater than 30 new pharmaceuticals are in various stages of research. However, it will likely take many years before any of these drugs are shown to be useful and safe in horses."
There is an increasing awareness amongst vets and researchers that the incidence of the disease is associated with certain types of feeding and management practices which can lead to abnormal hormonal activity, changing the way the horse's energy metabolism operates. A side effect of this hormonal activity is a subtle change in the horse's shape as it develops swellings on the top of the neck, around the loins and tail head and the udder or sheath. These swellings can be very difficult to get rid of. Once these changes have taken place, clinical experience indicates that many horses become metabolic cripples for life. They are unable to handle their food normally and are subject to the devastating effects of ODL. Researchers are becoming increasingly convinced that the predisposing factors to ODL begin early n the horse's life. Professor Johnson states "Management practices that promote the development of (ODL) are likely initiated during the first 10 years of the horse's life". Experience of vets involved with the condition indicates that although the disease is devastating in affected horses, in many cases it can be prevented. So what are the feeds and management practices which we should avoid in order to safeguard the horses we love and cherish?
Danger Feeds:
Avoid any feeds high in calories, particularly those containing soluble carbohydrates (sugars and starches).
o Rich pasture containing grasses such as rye, especially during spring, early summer and autumn when grass growth is at an optimum
o Highly molassed concentrates and chaffs (feel the product for stickiness)
o Coarse mixes which contain any cereals (even barley)
o High energy cubes as these contain elevates levels of cereal for energy
o Straights (cereals)
When fed to horses and ponies, particularly in excess of their energy needs, these feeds start the disease process by making the animal lay down fat. In fact it is the fat cells within the abdomen which secrete the abnormal hormones which upset the horse's metabolism so badly.
Beware, the danger feeds can also lead not only to ODL but osteochondrosis when fed to young growing horses.
Safe feeds:
Choose forage feeds, which are high digestible fibre but low in calories:
o Alfalfa - either dehydrated as in many chaffs, or sun dried (in hay form) although this is more difficult to find.
o Hay - look for a source high in timothy and fescues and low in rye.
o Straw - dust free is the key phrase here. Look for good quality oat straw as this is digested better than barley and wheat. Avoid if it is not clean.
o Unmolassed sugar beet - an excellent form of medium energy in a digestible fibre form. Soak to manufacturer recommendations. Avoid molassed sugar beet.
Do not feed by volume (i.e. by the scoop). Weigh and record daily levels of feed. By doing this it is not so easy to overfeed
Prevention is better than cure
ODL is a man-made management disease and the secret to managing horses to avoid ODL is to make sure you keep your horse at a condition score of 2 ½ to 3. That is not so thin that you can see his ribs but so that you can feel them easily when you run your hand along his side. He should not be allowed to carry fatty swellings along his crest or loins or sheath as this immediately puts him at high risk of ODL.
o Use a grazing muzzle during the months of grass growth but make sure to follow the manufacturer's instruction on fitting and application.
o Top excess grass or graze with sheep
o Strip graze or fence off a 'starvation' paddock
When limiting grazing, the addition of hay may be necessary.
"Condition" is fat. "Show condition" is obese. You can make your horse fit and healthy by developing muscle tone through exercise without the need to have him fat. Until owners begin to understand how their predilection for obese animals is directly responsible for the high incidence of ODL, hundreds of horses will continue to die every year. Intentionally encouraging a horse to develop a disease is cruelty.
Owners must stop creating the 'feel-good factor and the sense of well-being' for their own benefit. A plump horse is not a healthy horse.
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From : Val (toons&co)
Date : 24.02.05 9:55:00 AM
Thank you for this. Mainly confirms what I knew. Wish there was something equivalent to the laminitis clinic on the continent as this problem is not restricted to the UK.
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From :
Date : 24.02.05 10:03:00 AM
Thanks for this, very interesting.
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From :
Date : 24.02.05 2:57:00 PM
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From : Sutton
Date : 24.02.05 3:18:00 PM
I went to one of the conferences mentioned, Dodson and Horrell and Phil Johnson spoke at that conference with particular reference to insulin resistence. There were some very interesting and NEW points raised by all speakers in the morning regarding laminitis. I suggest any one interested contacts Dodson and Horrell for their Applied Conference Proceedings to try to get a complete picture of how things are coming together regarding laminitis. The bottom line is, however, that there is no supplement whatsoever that can prevent it. It is the whole package that you have to look at for the individual animal. My shettie suffers from laminitis and he has a condition score of 2.5, no excess fat on him whatsoever. I agree that early obesity can leave the pony at risk for laminitis at a later date even when the weight is off them. I think that may be what happened to my shettie as at four he was a chunky monkey but did not show any signs of a laminitic problem.
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From : Wendy
Date : 24.02.05 4:17:00 PM
Ah thanks for that info Sutton
) Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From : gill mcg
Date : 24.02.05 4:46:00 PM
I think this needs to be permanently kept at the top - especially as we head into spring.........
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From :
Date : 24.02.05 6:01:00 PM
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From : katie
Date : 24.02.05 6:29:00 PM
As an owner of a laminitic I find these threads very interesting. Thankyou for putting it on here:O)
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From : gb
Date : 24.02.05 7:55:00 PM
Also for anyone that doesn't know, sudden change of diet can trigger laminitis, ie. with the onset of spring looming the sudden rich grass for example.
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From : Wendy
Date : 24.02.05 8:34:00 PM
Also, grass that has been frozen and then is suddenly exposed to sunlight and warmer temperatures can be dangerous! Just thinking of you all with the snow up there.
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From :
Date : 25.02.05 10:14:00 AM
up
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From :
Date : 27.02.05 8:13:00 PM
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From : Janet
Date : 27.02.05 9:01:00 PM
Thanks for all the info, my pony had laminitis last year for the first time, now the word 'laminitis haunt me. He's on a diet, well both my ponies are on a diet, they have hifi lite with a handful of high fibre cubes in the evening with a couple of sections of hay in the morning and at night, they are on a bare paddock. the laminitic is stabled at night, the other is out unrugged.
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From : Ann NF
Date : 27.02.05 9:26:00 PM
A timely reminder. Thank you.
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From : Lyn
Date : 27.02.05 9:53:00 PM
A reminder that frost can also cause Lami.
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From : Amanda (S Yorks)
Date : 28.02.05 10:41:00 AM
This is something that I'm currently worried about with regards to my mare so I'm taking pretty drastic action with regards to management changes for her this year.
I'm going to have her tested for Insulin resistance too, hopefully she isn't but it's a possibility.
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From :
Date : 30.03.05 9:21:00 AM
up
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From :
Date : 30.03.05 10:12:00 AM
should keep 'upping' this so all can see it!
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From : Nicola
Date : 30.03.05 10:57:00 AM
excellent - thank you for posting this.
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From : gill mcg
Date : 30.03.05 11:25:00 AM
This is the bit I think people find the hardest to swallow:
"ODL is a man-made management disease and the secret to managing horses to avoid ODL is to make sure you keep your horse at a condition score of 2 ½ to 3"
A score of 3 is actually underweight to most people......
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From :
Date : 30.03.05 11:30:00 AM
www.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/asc/asc145/asc145.htm
Link re condition scoring with photo examples.
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From : Wendy
Date : 30.03.05 11:30:00 AM
I should read this when I get criticised for keeping all my horses off our pasture. I'll have to print out the article and put it on my notice board to serve as a reminder!
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From : Wendy
Date : 30.03.05 11:35:00 AM
Thanks for the link above. Just to point out: that link refers to a 9 point scoring system, whereas Robert Eastace is referring to the 5 point scoring system. So a 2.5 - 3 would relate to a 4 - 5 on that 9 point scoring system.
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From :
Date : 30.03.05 11:53:00 AM
Thanks for pointing this out Wendy... Nearly had a heart attack.
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From :
Date : 30.03.05 12:32:00 AM
Just a question, a horse I know is grossly fat, the owner works him and feeds him very little. There is little grass as it is moorland. He also has a very swollen sheath and I have heard that no weight loss and swollen sheaths can indicate insulin resistance. Could he have this, even though he hasn't had laminitis?
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From :
Date : 30.03.05 12:54:00 AM
what is the whole fat sheath thing?? can someone explain this link?
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From : Wendy
Date : 30.03.05 1:54:00 PM
Jackie Taylor would be the one to ask about insulin resistance but I should think that it is possible for a horse to be insulin resistant without having had a laminitic attack - yet..
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From :
Date : 30.03.05 2:49:00 PM
I always thought fat ponies/horses were more likely to get laminitis - how is this new info??
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From : Wendy
Date : 30.03.05 8:03:00 PM
It's new because it points out that the lifestyle can make them metabolic 'cripples for life' no matter how fat they are in future, and that the metabolism is seriously affected within the first 10 years of life. Also, there is now clear direction about the food that must be avoided for all horses and ponies. Owing to management practises and types of enriched grazing available (often grazing converted from cattle to horses) the disease is reaching epidemic proportions. Plus, robert Eustance recommends horses being BELOW a condition score of 3 - whereas most are above it, and some by a considerable degree.
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From : JackieJATaylor
Date : 30.03.05 8:32:00 PM
Certainly they are Insulin resistant before getting laminitis - years of insulin resistance is usually the CAUSE of the laminitis!
Excess weight causes and worsens IR, we have long known this. But it is my experience that IR is often the cause of weightgain too, ie it can come first.
Both veterinary and human researchers assume that the fat patient before them is insulin resistant because of their weight, but it is not always so, and the researchers are starting to realise this now.
We also seem to be seeing a lot more of a Pre-Cushing's IR syndrome, some people, including me, believe a large percentage of the new 'epidemic' of IR are in this category. Whether that is because long term IR causes Cushing's eventually, or early Cushing's is being recognised when there is nothing more than IR showing on blood tests remains to be confirmed.
Jackie
groups.yahoo.com/group/TheMetabolicH
Subject : re:- Obesity Dependant Laminitis
From : Wendy
Date : 31.03.05 10:29:00 AM
I've been watching the news and reading up about insulin resistance (syndrome X) in humans, which is also reaching epidemic proportions. The answer for us too seems to be more fibre, fewer empty carbohydrates! It's so funny that we say "my horse is my mirror" and there we have people and domestic horses developing life threatening metabolic conditions in ever increasing numbers.