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Horses with insulin resistance are not allowed out on grass for the time being, as the grass is usually far too rich in sugar. Short grazing intervals with a suitable grazing muzzle (e.g. AS von ‘Das Pferd im Blick’ they also deliver to the UK) can be an option in some cases, once the spring grass has settled. At the same time, you should find a good therapist who will formulate a plan to support the horse in becoming insulin-sensitive again.

This not only includes equine-appropriate feeding (24-hour hay with preferably <6% sugar content, maximum 10%, mineral feed without grain, salt lick, water). Exercise also plays a part, as studies have shown that regular (daily) brisk exercise alone helps the muscle cells to become insulin-sensitive again, as they start to use sugar again through exercise and do not just constantly fill up the sugar stores while the horse wanders between the hay rack and the resting place.

Therapy and treatment with Okapi PankrEMS

In addition, there are a number of ways to support the horse’s organism in becoming insulin-sensitive again. A competent therapist should be consulted. Feeding OKAPI PankrEMS has proven very successful.

OKAPI PankrEMS can also be given for several months beyond the initial phase of 6 weeks, e.g. for the entire grazing season.

After about six months, all supportive feed should be withdrawn and the blood values checked again. Horses react very differently to therapeutic measures, so it may be necessary to adjust the therapy if the values are not yet within normal ranges. In most cases, over the course of 1-2 years with the right treatment, horses with insulin resistance can be brought back to being able to graze in moderation and compensate well for different hay qualities. This requires some commitment on the owner’s part and, of course, first and foremost that the insulin resistance is recognised as such...

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