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Genetic Predisposition, "Easy Keepers"
Horses deemed "easy keepers" or of a breed with genetic
predisposition to metabolic disorders should also be
frequently tested.
Nutrition: Lush Pastures and "Sweet Feed"
Horses with regular access to lush pastures and horses fed
"sweet feed" or large quantities of grain are at increased
risk of laminitis.
Prior to Steroid Administration –
New Standard of Care
Steroid injections are proven to cause spikes in blood
insulin. With our new stall side insulin test, veterinarians
can now quickly determine a horse's blood insulin
concentration prior to steroid administration. If a horse
has elevated insulin, a biologic should be used rather
than a steroid when appropriate.
Broodmare and Stallion Fertility
Broodmares and stallions also are candidates for routine
insulin testing. Insulin dysregulation is proven to reduce
fertility in mares and stallions and can be a significant
factor in unsuccessful breedings. Pregnancy, particularly
late term, also predisposes mares to insulin dysregulation
and laminitis. In stallions, high insulin can cause foot
soreness and an unwillingness to breed. With Wellness
Ready, veterinarians can quickly check insulin levels in
"difficult breeders" and manage these horses through diet,
exercise, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals to promote
fertility and reduce laminitis risk.
About the author Vern Dryden, DVM, CJF, is the Founder and President of Bur Oak Sports Medicine and Lameness,
and Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Wellness Ready.
Spread the Word
Horse owners are concerned about insulin
levels and laminitis risk, even if they do not fully
understand cause and effect. They need to be
made aware that routine insulin testing and
appropriate management can prevent laminitis.
Wellness Ready was not developed to simply
confirm that a horse foundered because it has
high insulin levels. It was developed to identify
horses at risk before they founder, so they can be
managed through diet, exercise, nutraceuticals
and/or pharmaceuticals.
Reach out to your clients to let them know this
new technology is now available. Whether
emailing your client list, posting on your practice's
social media channels, or discussing during calls,
most horse owners would be glad to know this
service is available.
Stall-Side Insulin Tests
