Vet Guide 2025: Insulin Response in Healthy Older Horses 🐴🩺

👋 Welcome, horse lovers and caregivers! I'm Dr. Duncan Houston, and today we're unpacking an important but often overlooked topic—how even healthy older horses can face insulin response issues as they age. 🧠🐎 This is more than just a senior care topic—it's key to preventing serious issues like laminitis in your aging equine friends. Let's dive in. 🩺🥕

🔍 What Is Insulin and Why It Matters

Insulin is a hormone released by the pancreas to help move glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream into cells for energy. In horses, this process helps regulate energy levels after meals. When something interferes—like aging or diet—insulin levels can spike dangerously. 🚨

This leads to a condition called insulin dysregulation, and it increases the risk of laminitis—a painful and potentially fatal hoof condition. Even older horses that look and act healthy can be silently suffering from this metabolic issue. 😞🐴

🧪 New Research in 2025: The Aging Horse and Insulin

Recent veterinary studies in the UK and USA reveal that age alone can increase insulin responses in horses, even in those with no outward signs of metabolic disease. 📈 Researchers discovered that:

• Healthy senior horses produced more insulin after eating than younger horses.
• This spike occurred regardless of whether the horses had previously been on high-sugar or low-sugar diets.
• The effect is tied to age-related changes in metabolism, not just obesity or diet. ⏳🍽️

So even if your older horse is lean, active, and appears fit—they could still be at risk. This is why a preventive feeding strategy is essential. 🛡️

⚠️ Warning Signs of Insulin Issues in Older Horses

Not every horse with insulin problems shows obvious signs, but here are key symptoms to watch for in your senior equine companion:

• 🐾 Laminitis (sore feet, reluctance to move, heat in hooves)
• 🥔 Fat deposits on the neck (“cresty neck”) or tailhead
• 💧 Increased thirst or urination
• 💤 Lethargy, dull coat, or slowed shedding

If your horse exhibits any of these—even mildly—it’s a sign they may need dietary changes or testing. 🩺🧬

🥗 Feeding for Insulin Balance in 2025

Let’s break down exactly what to feed your older horse to help prevent insulin spikes. 📋

✅ Feed Low-NSC Forage

Non-structural carbohydrates (NSC = sugars + starch) are the enemy of insulin regulation. Always aim for hay with less than 10% NSC. Test hay when possible! 🌾

💧 Soak the Hay

Soaking hay in water for 30–60 minutes can reduce sugars by up to 30%. Discard the soak water and feed right away. 🚿🪣

🚫 Avoid Grain & Molasses

Senior horses often get "sweet feed," but it’s loaded with starch. Instead, choose a low-carb senior feed or a ration balancer made for insulin sensitivity. 🥣

🧂 Consider Supplements

Supplements like magnesium, chromium, and omega-3 fatty acids may improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation. 🌿💊

📏 Portion Control

Overfeeding—even “healthy” food—can still cause weight gain and insulin issues. Use a weight tape monthly and adjust meals accordingly. 🐴📐

🏃‍♂️ Exercise: The Forgotten Fix

Movement improves metabolism. Even 20–30 minutes of walking a day can boost insulin sensitivity in horses. Ideas include:

• 🚶 Hand-walking for pasture pets
• 🏇 Light lunging or under-saddle work
• 🌄 Hill walking for strength and blood sugar control

Exercise isn’t just for young athletes—it’s key for older horses, too. 💪

🧬 Regular Testing for Older Horses

Your vet may recommend an Oral Sugar Test (OST) or insulin/glucose blood test to evaluate insulin response in your older horse. These tests can:

• 🧾 Establish a baseline metabolic profile
• 📊 Catch early signs of metabolic disease
• 🩺 Guide changes in feed or medication

Testing annually—especially if your horse is over 15—is a great preventive move. 🔍

🎯 Summary: Key Tips for 2025

• 🌱 Feed low-NSC hay and soaked forage
• 🚫 Avoid grains and sugary treats
• 🏃 Ensure daily exercise and movement
• 📊 Schedule yearly insulin testing
• 🩺 Work closely with your vet on diet and care

By adjusting the diet and care of even healthy senior horses, you can avoid the pain of laminitis and support a long, comfortable life. 🐴❤️

📲 Need Help? Ask a Vet Anytime

Still unsure if your senior horse is at risk? Don’t wait. Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app to get answers from experienced vets in minutes. 🩺📱

Your older horse deserves the best of care—and a plan that evolves with them. Let’s keep them happy, mobile, and thriving in 2025 and beyond. 🐎🎉