Ask the Nutritionist: Dr. Getty's Forum for Equine Nutrition
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All the best,
Dr. Getty
Hello Betsy,
Thank you for sending the bloodwork results. She is definitely insulin resistant, which is likely due to having Cushing's disease (since she is not overweight).
Yes, Glanzen Complete would be preferred, since she could benefit from the extra calories. I would also recommend Balance EQ to help lower circulating cortisol levels. I am making the assumption that she is cushingoid due to her slow shedding and her slightly elevated ACTH levels.
Metformin in horses is controversial and may not be effective long term.
In addition, feed her hind gut with pro and pre biotics to assist with her immune function and for weight gain. Daily Start is an excellent choice for this.
Keep me posted.
All the best,
Dr. Getty 
Author of Feed Your Horse Like A Horse
I am again looking for your input on my mare. I have been feeding the Glanzen Lite Complete and Quiescence since our last correspondence. Here are the latest numbers.
Endogenous ACTH 11.4 (2.0-10.0)pmol/L,
Insulin, fasting 709 (<=300) pmol/L
Glucose, fasting 10.0(4.3-6.9)mmol/L
Ratio, fasting 71
This blood work was drawn in the am and the mare had been allowed to eat hay.
This horse hasn't shed out very well. She has a very nice, soft one inch coat. Flax based feed? Did I mention she is about a "4" body score now. The vet feels she is borderline "out of control" and put her on Metformin 7000mg twice daily . Any comments or suggestions? Could I switch her to the regular Glanzen Complete?
Had her teeth floated and treated her for an abscess on the back of her tongue. She currently has a nasal infection and is on TMS (oral antibiotics).
I have been lightly working her 3-4 times a week. She is now out with the other horses with a muzzle.
She has not really picked up any weight nor has she foundered.
Would it be advisable to switch from the Lite to Glanzen Complete at this point and supplement with Quiescence.
Would love to hear your thoughts.
Thanks.
Betsy
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO
Hello Betsy,
Thank you for your patience.
Glanzen Complete is flaxseed meal based, so you would not feed flaxseed meal in addition to Glanzen Complete. And, yes, Quiessence is appropriate to add -- there is no added magnesium in the Glanzen supplement.
All the best,
Dr. Getty
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO
Hi Betsy,
Stay Strong is fine -- I like ADM Alliance products since they are low in starch and have no added cereal grains.
You will need to add Nutra Flax to the mix -- 1 scoop per 400 lbs of body weight, for the additional calories but also to help with hormonal control and overall health.
See how she does in a month, and please consider a phone consultation so we can go over everything and get her strong and healthy for the winter months.
I'm so glad you enjoyed the Cushing's Teleseminar. There is an upcoming one called "Things You Need to Know about Water, Salt, and Electrolyte Supplements" that addresses the salt needs for all horses regardless of the weather or exercise needs. And then in September, there will be one on joints -- "Joint Supplements -- So Many Choices!" Click here if you'd like more information on these two teleseminars.
All the best,
Dr. Getty
Author of Feed Your Horse Like A Horse
Here's the latest on my mare:
Insulin, fasting 254 (<=300)
Glucose, fasting 6.4 (4.3-6.9)
Ratio, fasting 40
She was on Metformin at the time it was drawn. and being fed the following: Glanzen Complete, Quiessence, Balance EQ and Daily Start. She is also on controlled pasture and hay.
The vet finally said maybe she could be pre-cushings.
I have since weaned her off of the Metformin. The plan is to run the labs again after she has been OFF the Metformin for a month.
She has shed nicely. I am however concerned about her going into the severe Wisconsin winter at her current weight. She could still gain some.
I was also wondering what your opinion of StayStrong mineral/vitamin feed? I have 2 other horses that I feed that to along with the Daily Start.
I really appreciated the Cushing's web presentation.
Thank you for your time and expertise.
Betsy
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO