Metabolic Disease

Metabolic disease or metabolic disorder is a broad term for a multitude of symptoms such as Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) or Equine Cushing Syndrome (Cushing). Mostly, metabolic disorders become apparent through secondary symptoms such as e.g. muscle wastage, excessive hair growth, fat deposits or laminitis. Metabolic disorders can be diagnosed with the aid of laboratory tests. When carried out properly, both the dexamethasone suppression test for the diagnosis of Cushing and the glucose tolerance test for the diagnosis of Malabsorption Syndrome are quite time-consuming and require collection of several blood samples. Metabolic disorders can usually not be cured, but with the appropriate medication and measures, quality of life of the affected horse can be improved.