Horse Diabetes - What Can You Do For Your Horse

Diabetes is a common condition among humans but it is somewhat as common for horses as well.  It is essential to learn about signs and symptoms of horse diabetes so that treatment is administered before it gets worse.

Horses suffers from diabetes shows a variety of signs.  Horses which maintain to be overweight even after reduced feeding by their owners are more likely to suffer from diabetes.  They have excess fat deposits in their crest, backs and rumps.  This fat deposits result from the their body's inability to use glucose. 

Another sign that your horse is suffering from diabetes is it shows reduced energy levels.  It is harder to get these horses to work and exercise.  Diabetic horses are also at higher risk of suffering from skin conditions such as rain rot and pasture scald.  It takes longer to heal from such skin conditions.   Complications due to recurrent laminitis seems to be the most serious problems in insulin-resistant horses.  Dr. C.C. Pollitt of the Veterinary School at the University of Queensland in Australia has been doing research on laminitis that strongly suggests that this disease of horses is linked to altered glucose metabolism in the cells of the sensitive laminae in the hoof.

Horse Diabetes Treatment

As in humans, the most important step to treating diabetes involves diet and exercise.  Diabetic horses should be fed low grain diets to reduce the amount of starch and sugar.   Good quality hay is the basis of an insulin-resistant horse's feeding plan.  Rice bran and beet pulp can be given for additional energy. 

Vitamin and mineral supplementation is important as chromium, zinc and magnesium are shown to affect insulin function and glucose metabolism. 

An exercise program should be initiated based on the particular horse's condition and ability. Routine easy exercise on a regular basis is much preferred to sporadic intense exercise. These simple steps can improve glucose regulation and slow the development of insulin resistance.