L'influence de l'hébergement des chevaux sur la prévention et le traitement du syndrome métabolique équin

Abstract

The equine metabolic syndrome is regularly observed in horses, ponies and donkeys. This endocrine disorder is at the root of most of the non-traumatic and non-septic laminitis. This endocrinopathy triggers an insulin deregulation with as main consequences, hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance. An early diagnosis and good cares permit to avoid irreversible lesions leading to laminitis. The nutritional management is the main action to establish. Studies show the interest of associating this nutritional management with an increased physical activity and the use of pharmaceutical molecules. Indeed, the physical activity, even in low intensity, has some effects on weight loss and on insulin sensibility. To that end, lodgement type can encourage locomotion and contribute to increase the low intensity activity. The few current studies indicate some lead to explore in order to give guidelines to owners on most adequate lodgement type for the care of a horse affected with equine metabolic syndrome.