Western Equestrian Society Area 6

Also known as Insulin Resistance, or possibly pre-Cushings.

Symptoms -

Abnormal fat distribution and excess and abnormal fat distribution (Cresty neck the most obvious but also at tail head and in the prepuce)

Laminitis - either sub-clinical or full blown

Abnormal cycling and infertility in mares

Polyuria & polydipsia

Horses with EMS are often "good doers"

General crabbyness (sp????), lack of stamina

Muscle stiffness

Dee has been diagnosed as having this - we've had a horrendous 18 months and every time we see some progress the poor girly has a setback. At the moment we're

waiting for some laminal separation in both front feet to grow out.

I'd be very interested to talk to anyone who has had experience of this difficult condition, or from anyone who suspects that their horse is a sufferer, but has not been diagnosed. I may put together an article on it (similar to Fran's excellent piece on PSSM) if I get some time.

Anne