Occurrence of equine metabolic syndrome, clinical manifestations, and associated risk factors in Nigeria
Authors: O. Akinniyi, A. Sackey, G. E. Ochube, P. Mshelia, Francis Musa, M. Elijah, K. O. Jolayemi
Journal: Journal of Equine Science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Equine Metabolic Syndrome in Nigeria Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), characterised by insulin dysregulation and predisposing horses to laminitis, remains poorly documented in sub-Saharan African populations despite its significant welfare implications. Akinniyi and colleagues conducted a cross-sectional study using insulin 2-step response testing, physical examination, and questionnaire-based risk factor assessment across a Nigerian horse population to establish baseline prevalence and identify associated management and phenotypic variables. The research revealed a concerning 43.1% EMS prevalence, with breed (particularly West African Barb), sex (stallions 67.86% affected), and exercise patterns demonstrating strong associations, whilst age did not significantly influence occurrence. Obesity emerged as the most substantial risk factor (92.86% of obese horses affected), yet notably 7-8% of insulin dysregulated horses were non-obese, suggesting additional aetiological pathways beyond adiposity alone—a finding warranting investigation into metabolic or endocrine contributions. For equine practitioners, these findings emphasise that EMS screening protocols should extend beyond visual assessment of body condition to encompass breed-specific and sex-based risk stratification, whilst the identification of laminitis manifestations (divergent hoof rings and widened white lines) provides clinically accessible diagnostic markers; moreover, the high prevalence of EMS linked to infrequent or walking-only exercise regimens underscores the critical importance of structured conditioning programmes in both prevention and management strategies.
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Practical Takeaways
- •EMS is highly prevalent in Nigeria affecting 43% of sampled horses; farriers and veterinarians should screen horses for laminitis signs (divergent rings, widened white lines) and conduct insulin testing to identify at-risk individuals
- •Obesity is the primary modifiable risk factor, but not all EMS cases are obese—ensure regular exercise beyond walking only, with frequency at least monthly rather than every 5 months, as infrequent exercise significantly increases EMS risk
- •West African Barb breed and stallions require heightened vigilance for metabolic issues; examine for abnormal neck crest as a clinical indicator and avoid constant tethering management that limits movement
Key Findings
- •Overall prevalence of EMS in Nigeria was 43.10%, with West African Barb horses showing significantly higher prevalence at 60.00%
- •Stallions had 67.86% prevalence of EMS compared to other sex categories, and breed and sex were significantly associated with EMS while age was not
- •Obesity was the strongest risk factor with 92.86% prevalence in obese horses, but 16.67% of horses with insulin dysregulation were not obese, suggesting other underlying causes
- •Primary laminitis signs observed were divergent hoof rings and widened white lines; risk factors included infrequent exercise (82.76% with only 5-monthly exercise) and tethering management (67.86%)