How to Test for Insulin Resistance in Horses

Insulin resistance is a problem that has been around for a long time but has just recently been identified in horses. It is akin to Cushing's disease in that it causes many of the same problems in horses: obesity, rough coat, potbelly, increased water intake and laminitis. However, Cushing's disease is caused by a tumor on the pituitary gland, and insulin resistance is caused by an imbalance in the body's production and use of insulin. Knowing how to tell the difference is critical to proper treatment.

Things You'll Need

  • Veterinarian
  • Trailer
  • High energy horse feed
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Instructions

  1. How to Test for Insulin Resistance in Horses

    • 1

      Contact your veterinarian and make an appointment to have your horse tested. Only a veterinarian can test the horse for insulin resistance. This is not something you can do at home.

    • 2

      Make sure your horse has not eaten before his appointment. Haul him to the vet and give the vet your high energy horse feed. Make sure this is a feed your horse has eaten before, to avoid causing colic.

    • 3

      Allow the vet to test your horse. The veterinarian will feed your horse a large meal of the high energy feed, then, within 60 to 90 minutes after the horse has eaten, the vet will draw blood and screen it for hyperinsulinemia (overly high levels of insulin).

    • 4

      Leave your horse with the veterinarian for further testing if the blood results come back abnormal. Additional testing may take a few days.

    • 5

      Schedule further testing as needed. The veterinarian will administer an oral challenge of glucose to the animal and measure the blood insulin levels over a period of several hours. A proper diagnosis of the cause of the horse's illness will allow for a more effective treatment.