Diseases that are often caused by insulin resistance in horses include obesity and Cushing's disease. Monitor a horse's diet and weight closely to prevent these problems with helpful information from a farm manager and on-site veterinarian in this free video on horses.
Insulin resistance is more common to develop in an older horse. In order to keep a check on it, monitor your horse's weight very closely and as well as it's diet. There are many diseases caused by insulin resistance such as obesity. Obesity occurs because a horse is no longer able to properly metabolize sugars and carbohydrates. Obesity is characterized by a horse not metabolizing sugars properly and adding fat storages all over it's body. Obesity and infertility tend to run hand and hand and it is very hard to get a mare in foal that has a weight problem. An insulin resistant mare would need a very special diet in order to successfully see her to foaling. Insulin resistance is very closely associated with Cushing's disease. Cushing's disease is a disease of the pituitary gland where it no longer produces the correct chemicals to metabolize sugars and carbohydrates. The insulin resistant horse can also have other problems such as, orthopedic joint problems because of the pressure and stress on the joints, laminitis and infertility.
Specialty: Horse Health
