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Equine veterinary journal2017; 49(5); 570-576; doi: 10.1111/evj.12703

The diagnosis of equine insulin dysregulation.

Abstract: Insulin dysregulation is the hallmark of equine metabolic syndrome and has received attention because of its direct association with laminitis. In the absence of an adequate treatment for laminitis, a focus on prophylaxis is needed, making early detection of individuals at risk of developing laminitis one of the main challenges in equine endocrinology. Recent studies have shown that insulin dysregulation goes beyond tissue insulin resistance and it is now demonstrated that the equine enteroinsular axis plays a major role in insulin secretion and equine hyperinsulinaemia. In this review, we discuss the different tests currently available to diagnose insulin dysregulation in horses: the ones investigating tissue insulin resistance and those investigating the enteroinsular axis, detailing their goals, practicalities and limitations. This review supports the contention that the diagnosis of equine insulin dysregulation should now be based on the investigation of both tissue insulin resistance and the equine enteroinsular axis. Regardless of the tests used many factors of variation, such as breed, diet, fasting state or season, have been identified and could potentially confound the results of a specific test. Therefore, careful interpretation of the results of a given test in each individual situation is required to optimise the detection of horses at risk of laminitis.
© 2017 EVJ Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2017-06-23 PubMed ID: 28543410DOI: 10.1111/evj.12703Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research focuses on the diagnosis of equine insulin dysregulation, a key symptom of equine metabolic syndrome related with laminitis in horses. It scrutinizes various tests available for diagnosing this condition and underlines the importance of considering factors such as breed, diet, and season in order to accurately detect horses at risk for laminitis.

Insulin Dysregulation and Equine Metabolic Syndrome

  • Insulin dysregulation is a noted feature of equine metabolic syndrome, a health condition in horses.
  • This dysregulation is linked to laminitis, a painful and debilitating disorder affecting the hoof.
  • Since there is no sufficient treatment for laminitis, the research highlights the need for preventive measures and early detection of horses at high risk of developing the disease.
  • Newer studies have established that insulin dysregulation in horses extends beyond simple tissue insulin resistance and involves the equine enteroinsular axis, which plays a significant role in insulin secretion and equine hyperinsulinaemia.

Testing for Insulin Dysregulation

  • The paper discusses different tests to diagnose insulin dysregulation, which can be grouped into two categories: those investigating tissue insulin resistance and those assessing the equine enteroinsular axis.
  • Each test has its own objectives, practical considerations, and limitations.
  • The authors argue that an effective diagnosis of equine insulin dysregulation should be based on scrutinizing both tissue insulin resistance and the functioning of the equine enteroinsular axis.

Interpreting Test Results

  • Even though various tests are available, the researchers point out that many variables can meddle with the results. These factors include the breed of the horse, its diet, the season, and whether the horse is in a fasting state.
  • Consequently, it is crucial to consider these variables when interpreting test results to ensure accurate detection of horses at risk for laminitis.
  • By understanding these considerations, early detection and prevention measures can be implemented to protect horses from developing serious complications.

Cite This Article

APA
Bertin FR, de Laat MA. (2017). The diagnosis of equine insulin dysregulation. Equine Vet J, 49(5), 570-576. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.12703

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 49
Issue: 5
Pages: 570-576

Researcher Affiliations

Bertin, F R
  • School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia.
de Laat, M A
  • Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Diet
  • Foot Diseases / diagnosis
  • Foot Diseases / metabolism
  • Foot Diseases / veterinary
  • Homeostasis
  • Horse Diseases / diagnosis
  • Horse Diseases / metabolism
  • Horses
  • Hyperinsulinism / diagnosis
  • Hyperinsulinism / metabolism
  • Hyperinsulinism / veterinary
  • Insulin / metabolism
  • Insulin Resistance
  • Metabolic Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Metabolic Syndrome / metabolism
  • Metabolic Syndrome / veterinary

Citations

This article has been cited 34 times.
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