Ask the Nutritionist: Dr. Getty's Forum for Equine Nutrition
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All the best,
Dr. Getty
Greetings Heather,
Thank you for your patience. Yes, on pages 196 through 198 I offer several tests that are done to determine insulin resistance, but the bottom line is that glucose is difficult to test since it can vary tremendously depending on when the horse ate, stress level, exercise, etc. And insulin can be artificially elevated simply from the stress of seeing the vet's truck pull up the driveway! But, since your horse's insulin level is normal, it is fair to assume that he is not insulin resistant. He could however, have a some indications of metabolic syndrome (IR) and still have a normal insulin level, if the symptoms are not severe. IR is often a progressive disorder and shows moderate changes over time.
But if your horse has regional fat deposits, it is wise to treat it the way you're doing. I'm pleased that you'll be having your new batch of hay tested -- that is critical when feeding free-choice. Free-choice grass hay will reduce IR simply because stress is reduced, but if the %NSC is too high, it can be problematic.
All the best,
Dr. Getty 
Author of Feed Your Horse Like A Horse
My gelding had his insulin level tested, which just came back within the lab's normal range. The vet did not test his glucose. My friend has two IR horses and is active on an IR board, she tells me that I need the glucose level in order to get a G:I ratio because horses can have a normal value for insulin but still be IR. I did have this pulled 2 years ago and his ratio was far from being IR (different vet). I read in your book that the G:I ratio is useful for determining uncompensated vs. compensated IR and that some vets do not like to test the glucose level because it flucuates so much. So since just his insulin level came back normal, is it safe to say he is not IR?
While waiting for the results, I began to treat him like he was IR just in case - he started 4 oz. of Quiessence about 5 days ago and only gets 2 oz. of a low-starch, low sugar grain to carry all his supplements, he's in a dry lot with free access to grass hay. However, I have not had the hay tested as I am feeding from 3 different fields (bad growing season last year and couldn't get all my hay from the same source) nor am I soaking his hay. I plan to have the 2010 hay tested. He's getting worked 3-4 days a week as well.
Thank you!
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO
Hi Heather,
Quiessence takes several months to see the effect, combined with a low starch diet -- so it truly is too soon.
But, if your horse has a colonic ulcer, I would prefer that you stop feeding Quiessence temporarily. When your vet did blood work, did he/she also check for the possiblity of a colonic ulcer? These are much harder to treat and are characterized by colic and possible bloating. Have your vet check his blood protein, albumin, calcium, white blood cells, and fibrinogen levels, as well as do a fecal blood test.
Melanomas? Elaborate, please.
I would like to spend some time visiting with you over the phone if you're agreeable to a private consultation. That way I can go over everything that is occuring in detail. Sounds like your vet suspects an ulcer. As far as a probiotic is concerned, I highly recommend Daily Start to boost overall immune function as well as help the hind gut microbial population.
So let me know if I can assist you further.
All the best,
Dr. Getty
Author of Feed Your Horse Like A Horse
Also, he coliced again on Tuesday, manure was dry but no impaction. The vet pulled blood to test his thyroid, we both do not like how "round" he is in the middle and with the amount of work he's been getting (ridden 3-4 times per week, 1 hour each ride with lots of trotting) she said he should be starting to lose some of his weight. I've now switched him over to 1/2 cup (before soaked)beet pulp, plus his normal Equishine (vit./min. supplement), 2 oz Nutraflax, 4oz Quiessence and Strongid C2x. I stopped the Tractguard on the vet's advice - she said he heard a lot of water in his GI tract and considering how round he looks, she wondered if he could be drawing too much water into his GI tract. No more Safe and Easy either. The vet has put him on 4000mg of Cimetdine, which hopefully will ease his stomach and keep his melanomas at bay. He does not live a lifestyle of traveling, showing, confined to a stall, etc, so he's not a prime candidate for ulcers. I'm wondering if I should also try the pre/pro-biotics again, although he coliced while on that as well. Oh, the vet also mentioned that he seems to have a slow digestive process, considering how long it takes him to pass the oil, even when there is little impaction found....she thinks his food may in there too long and starts to "go bad" (not her words, it's just been a long day and I can't think right now ).
I don't know what else I can do, I feel like I've done everything I can and yet he still has issues. He has a heart of gold and I love him dearly, any input you can provide would be deeply appreciated.
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO
Greetings Heather,
I'll look forward to visiting with you. I'll be out of town from June 10 - 16th. So just let me know and we'll find a convenient time for both of us.
It's difficult to prevent melanomas. We'll talk about that, as well.
Best regards,
Dr. Getty
Author of Feed Your Horse Like A Horse
She said ulcers could be a possibility, despite him not quite fitting the bill of the typical horse with ulcers. She mentioned it could also be a tumor or slow transit time. Speaking of which, he has had 2 melanomas removed before the age of 8. One was removed before I bought him and another vet I was using removed the 2nd (that one grew very quickly out of the blue and then ruptured and was oozing black goo, so the vet wanted to remove it). He has several small melanomas on his body, but a couple are not in the typical places they are found on most horses, such as one on his hock and one on his flank. Yep, he's a gray. But he's quite young for melamonas, he'll be turning 10 this month.
Thanks again and I'll be in touch!
Where are you from? Bayfield
How did you locate this forum? CO