When a horse has EMS, it simply means that their IR has reached a tipping point and the body is having trouble compensating for the inadequate glucose metabolism.” The Weight Factor Pluhar makes an important distinction, “Every EMS horse has IR, but not every insulin resistant horse has EMS. EMS requires a clinical diagnosis, but several of the outward tell-tale signs include a cresty neck, increased body condition score, fatty deposits by the tail-head - among other areas - and laminitis. “EMS is actually a sub-category of IR … (This is where) the cells in an affected horse do not respond to insulin the way the cells in a normal horse do.” The cause of these metabolic concerns in the horse can range from genetics and incorrect feeding practices to excess weight. Joe Pluhar of Brazos Valley Equine Hospital in Navasota, Texas, sees his share of metabolic patients and explains the similarities and distinct differences between EMS and IR.
