Metabolic syndrome as a result of laminitis development in horses

The work was devoted to the research of metabolic syndrome in horses, the evaluation of its impact on the emergence of laminitis. Medical cases of private horses in Leningrad oblast were the objects for the research. The results of the work indicated that 76 % of the horses had metabolic syndrome which was a trigger of laminitis’ development, and in 46 % of cases the reason of laminitis was traumatic factor. As a result of the study it indicates the groups of horses that are at risk of metabolic syndrome emergence and its implication - laminitis. It was found that as a result of the obesity the horses had a great injury risk related with high loads on limbs. The treatment of the horses was complicated by the weight loss difficulty and insulin resistance without increasing physical activity. The methods for laminitis’ treatment were offered according to the following scheme: pain relief, acute laminitis control, exception of carbohydrate feed from the diet, gradual increase in physical activity, special clearing and orthopedic shoeing of horses. The guidance on laminitis prevention was also offered. The research was held during the internship of the direction "The principles for the diagnosis and treatment of horses" on the territory of "Veterinary Clinic "Foresight" Ltd in Saint Petersburg.