Get Involved in the Equine Metabolic Syndrome Project
Get Involved in the Equine Metabolic Syndrome Project
Nichol Schultz DVM and Molly McCue DVM, MS, PhD, DACVIM
The
Equine Genetics research group at the University of Minnesota‐College of
Veterinary Medicine is collaborating with Dr. Ray Geor of Michigan State
University to investigate the disease occurrence and genetics of equine
metabolic syndrome (EMS). EMS is a devastating disease characterized by three
main features: obesity, insulin resistance, and laminitis. Certain breeds or
individual horses are predisposed to EMS, and often are referred to as "easy
keepers."
The goal of this investigation is to better understand the role
of breed, gender, age, environment (diet and exercise), and genetics in EMS. The
success of the study depends on the collection of data from as many horses with
EMS as possible; therefore, assistance of horse owners and their veterinarians
is critical. To identify the underlying genetic susceptibility to EMS, genetic
marker information will be compared between horses with EMS and non-EMS control
horses. The long-term goal is to use these EMS genetic markers to detect horses
susceptible to EMS and laminitis before they have clinical signs. Once
susceptible horses are identified, management practices can be initiated to
better protect them from developing disease.
Participation in the study
involves three steps:
1. The first is to fill out a brief, ten-question
online survey located at
www.cvm.umn.edu/equinegenetics/EMS.
2.
If the horse is selected as a potential candidate, the owner will be sent a link
to a second online survey requesting additional information about the horse and
its management along with information about another horse on the property not
suspected of having EMS to serve as a "control." You will also be asked to
submit several simple body measurements for both horses and digital photos of
the horse suspected of having EMS.
3. Approximately 6‐8 months following
the second survey, owners of horses selected for inclusion in the genetic study
will be asked to work with their veterinarian to provide a blood sample which we
will analyzed free of charge for insulin, glucose, triglyceride, and
non‐esterified fatty acid. A portion of the blood sample will be used for DNA
isolation and stored for genetic research.
Horse owners assisting in the
project will be providing information essenti
- Date: May 25, 2010
- Category: American Morgan Horse Association
- Keywords: Get Involved in the Equine Metabolic Syndrome Project
