The AVA Annual Conference is the nation’s premier veterinary event, covering all fields of veterinary science and in 2017 brought together over 920 veterinary professionals and 115 exhibitors.
Knowledge of feedstuff starch and sugar level is fundamental to prevention of laminitis, IR, EMS, DOD and tying-up. Management of insulin resistance is all about diet and exercise. Feeds that cause the largest changes in blood glucose are those with the largest NSC values, so low-NSC feeds should be selected for horses with health issues related to blood glucose changes. Muscle mass, weanling and yearling growth and fat reduction are affected by the glycaemic index and the amino acid composition of the feed. Weight loss through feed restriction and/or exercise improves insulin sensitivity. Weight loss should be 0.5–1% of body weight per week and the effectiveness monitored regularly either by weighing or measuring body or girth circumference — aiming for a reduction of 1 to 2 cm per week. Insulin resistance accompanies late pregnancy and ensures blood glucose remains high to supply the fetal foal. This pregnancy-induced insulin resistance, may not be a problem in a normal mare but a mare that starts her pregnancy with insulin resistance can get into trouble.
