A guide to optimal health of older horses
Two of the best-known hormonal conditions in horses are PPID (Cushing’s) and insulin resistance (IR). Older horses experience changes in their hormonal balance and thus their health. Because of this, it is not surprising that these horses are particularly susceptible to PPID and insulin resistance.
PPID
PPID stands for Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction. A part of the brain, the pituitary gland, no longer functions properly and produces too much hormone. This deregulated hormone release gives rise to the typical characteristics of horses with PPID, such as a long curly coat, difficult shedding, fat deposits above the eyes (disturbed fat and sugar metabolism), laminitis, a sagging belly and excessive drinking and urination. The life expectancy of a horse with PPID can be good; many horses reach an old age with this diagnosis. Your veterinarian can advise on medication. Read more in our article on PPID in horses.
Insulin resistance
Insulin resistance is a condition, usually in overweight horses, where blood sugar levels can no longer be properly regulated. This is because the cells have become insensitive to insulin. Due to the insensitivity of the cells, the blood sugar level remains high. To compensate, the insulin-producing pancreas works overtime. In the long run this is unfavourable for many organs. An appropriate diet and exercise can help make the cells more sensitive to insulin again.
Insulin resistance is usually caused by a diet with too many non-structural carbohydrates (starch and sugars) in combination with being overweight and too little exercise. Insulin resistance can also be linked to a disturbed hormone balance, stress or inflammation of the intestine.
Everything in the horse’s body is linked together
Being overweight can cause insulin resistance, which in turn is part of Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS). PPID increases the risk of insulin resistance, and PPID and insulin resistance both increase the risk of laminitis. Ensure that the energy from the ration is in balance with the energy requirement of the horse. Support older horses with a suitable ration such as Hartog Senior. Hartog Senior provides the older horse with easily digestible roughage of consistent quality. The added balancer provides daily maintenance needs such as vitamins, minerals, organically bound trace elements and essential amino acids.
