For veterinarians, this article can help position metabolic screening with preventative services and testing. It suggests annual metabolic screening for most horses younger than 10 years old and twice yearly for horses older than 10, as well as breeds or individuals considered at higher risk for laminitis.
Hyperinsulinemia, or persistently high blood insulin concentrations, is the primary driver of endocrinopathic laminitis in horses. While obesity, pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, age, stress, pregnancy, certain medications, and high nonstructural carbohydrate intake can all contribute, the elevated insulin itself causes damage to the lamellae, shared Andrew van Eps, BVSc, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, during the 2026 ACVIM Forum held in June.
Source: The Horse, July 27, 2026. Link.
Identifying and managing insulin dysregulation (ID) before clinical signs of laminitis appear offers one of the best opportunities to prevent this painful condition.” – Andrew van Eps, BVSc, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM
Image: Link.
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