Equine metabolic syndrome: part 1

Both obesity and equine metabolic syndrome are being increasingly recognised. The underlying endocrine abnormality, insulin dysregulation, represents a high risk for endocrinopathic (hyperinsulinaemia-associated) laminitis. Early recognition and prompt treatment of the condition is crucial for the prevention of laminitis, a potentially severe disease that can have a fatal outcome. This article summarises current understanding of metabolic syndrome and its relationship to obesity. Current guidelines regarding early clinical recognition and corroborating diagnostic tests have been provided.