Conversations in Equine Science

This episode reviews cases of steroid-induced laminitis and examines recent research and owner-reported experiences using SGLT2 inhibitors (most commonly ertugliflozin) as an off-label treatment for equine metabolic syndrome and hyperinsulinemia-associated laminitis. An online survey of 342 owners found most horses treated with SGLT2Is showed improved quality of life and reduced pain, with many horses spared from euthanasia; common initial side effects included increased drinking and urination, weight loss, and dullness, which were often dose-dependent or resolved over time. Key takeaways: SGLT2Is show promise as a rescue option for laminitis when combined with strict dietary management and good hoof care, but long-term safety, availability, cost, and further research remain important considerations. Research  https://beva.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/eve.14071 https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C14&as_vis=1&q=sundra+et+al+2025+Horseowner&btnG=#d=gs_qabs&t=1787417730062&u=%23p%3DSFYkeG9TZt4J Humble Hoof Podcast Episode https://open.spotify.com/episode/4CvEegebGNduL7hNJDAlFc?si=UWRrM3TuRJuXyg0Rxx_vSA&utm_source=copy-link  

Nancy and Kate conclude their discussion on the current research and the Flying Lead Change book by Kelly Wendorf. Sign up for the Kelly Wendorf clinic at the InStride episode page link.

In this episode of Conversations in Equine Science, Kate and Nancy explore a compelling research paper titled "Retirement Risk Factors, Exercise Management, and Muscle Mass in U.S. Senior Horses" by Elisa Herbst. Published in May 2023, this paper dives into the intricacies of managing the health and exercise of senior horses in the U.S., examining factors such as retirement risk, exercise routines, and muscle mass preservation. The hosts discuss key insights from an extensive survey involving over 2,700 respondents, highlighting the distinctions between equine professionals and hobby horse owners. They delve into the challenges faced by senior horses, such as sarcopenia and exercise management, drawing parallels with aging in humans while emphasizing the importance of physical activity and proper nutrition for maintaining muscle mass and overall health. The episode sheds light on the significance of continued care and management as horses age, underscoring the role of dynamic mobilization exercises and hoof health in prolonging the vitality and quality of life of senior equines. Listeners are encouraged to consult with equine veterinarians and professionals before implementing changes based on this research.

<p>This episode Kate and Nancy discuss a scoping review of 46 research papers on the effects of horseshoe type on equine gait.</p> <p>Open Access Research Reference/Link: </p> <p>Aoun, R., Takawira, C., & Lopez, M. J. (2025). Horseshoe effects on equine gait-A systematic scoping review. <em>Veterinary surgery : VS</em>, <em>54</em>(1), 31–51. </p> <p><a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/vsu.14162" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1111/vsu.14162</a></p>

<p>This week Nancy and Kate discuss the new movie produced by Sue Dyson. Watch the movie at the link below.</p> <p><a href="https://youtu.be/3ulkLHqHZ3g?si=Xla9VAal6ilL85sm" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://youtu.be/3ulkLHqHZ3g?si=Xla9VAal6ilL85sm</a></p>

<p>This week Kate and Nancy discuss the habit loop of cue-routine-reward and the benefits that horses derive from its formation.</p> <p>Research Reference/Link:</p> <p>White, J.; Sims, R. Improving Equine Welfare through Human Habit Formation. <em>Animals</em> <strong>2021</strong>, <em>11</em>, 2156. <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11082156" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11082156</a></p>

<p>This week Nancy and Kate discuss this 2022 paper that demonstrates ponies are able to distinguish between facial expressions presented by a live human.</p> <p>Research Reference/Link:</p> <p>Merkies, Katrina, Yuliia Sudarenko, and Abigail J. Hodder. 2022. "Can Ponies (Equus Caballus) Distinguish Human Facial Expressions?" <em>Animals</em> 12, no. 18: 2331. </p> <p><a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/12/18/2331" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/12/18/2331</a></p>