In our last episode, we explored five reasons metabolic horses struggle in the fall. Today, we’re going a layer deeper, exploring the liver, its role, what may strain it, and signs that your horse’s liver may be under pressure. We also explore why two horses can respond very differently to the same environment.
The Liver
The liver plays an important role in regulating blood sugar, clearing insulin, processing fats, and converting thyroid hormones. When the liver is under strain, these functions may be affected, potentially contributing to metabolic challenges.
Insulin Resistance
High insulin is often associated with excess sugar in the diet and increased insulin production by the pancreas. However, the liver also helps clear insulin from the bloodstream, so its role may be worth considering. Research into this connection in horses is still developing.
Increased Workload
A horse’s liver may be coping with several demands at once, including excess sugar, concentrated vegetable oils, high protein intake, certain supplement ingredients, chemical residues in feed, or excess iron. Ongoing stress can also add to this burden by raising cortisol levels and increasing the amount of sugar released into the bloodstream.
Feed and Supplements
Look closely at feed and supplement labels for concentrated vegetable oils, preservatives, artificial flavourings, synthetic additives, and inorganic minerals. Consider whether each product is truly necessary and whether its ingredients are actually appropriate for your horse.
Routine Treatments
Think about the cumulative effect of medications and dewormers over a horse’s lifetime. Then consider how many deworming treatments and medications your horse has received, rather than overlooking these, to reduce the strain on your horse’s liver.
Water and Environmental Exposure
Well water can contain excess iron, as can supplements containing inorganic iron, such as ferrous sulfate. Testing your water and reviewing supplement labels can help you to identify potential sources. You also need to consider the chemical residues from herbicides, pesticides, and fertilisers in your hay and pasture.
Signs of Liver Strain
A persistent crest or fat pads, slow progress despite management changes, sensitivity to feed or supplements, recurring skin problems, inconsistent manure, and low energy may all warrant closer attention. Hives, swelling, and laminitis can also indicate metabolic problems. No single sign shows that the liver is under pressure.
Swelling and Recurring Eye Problems
Swelling in the legs, sheath, or belly may indicate fluid retention. Swelling in the lower legs sometimes improves with movement. I have also noticed recurring weepy eyes in some horses but have no research to support this connection.
Routine Blood Tests
Routine liver enzyme tests can indicate liver cell damage, but they will not necessarily reveal every aspect of the liver’s function or how much work it is managing. Normal results therefore do not rule out every possible concern. Any signs of ill health still need to be considered.
Beyond Restricted Feed
Reducing sugar intake may be essential for a metabolic horse, but feed restriction alone may not address every contributing factor. It is also worth reviewing supplements, water quality, environmental exposures, and stress rather than focusing only on feed rations.
A Whole-Horse Approach
Stress, toxicity, and nutrient deficiencies are the three main drivers of insulin resistance. Simply restricting the horse’s feed will not address these three factors. The key is to identify what may be straining your horse’s system, remove what you can, and support the horse’s ability to eliminate unwanted substances.
Always consider the root cause before symptoms!
Links and resources:
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