Insulin Dysregulation and Weight Issues in Sport Horses | Episode 52

Written By Nicole Lakin

By Tim Worden & Nicole Lakin of the IGNITE

Thank you to Achieve Equine – FLAIR Equine Nasal Strips for sponsoring this week’s episode!

How common are weight issues in sport horses? How does insulin dysregulation impact overall health? What are the positive impacts that exercise produces in obese horses (beyond simply reducing weight)? We chat with Dr. Shannon Pratt-Phillips about these topics and others on this episode of the Sport Horse Podcast.

We kick off this episode with a discussion surrounding obesity, insulin resistance, and insulin dysregulation. Shannon covers the growing prevalence of obesity in sport horses, and the link between adipose tissue, inflammation, and the altered insulin-signaling cascade. We also cover how modern ‘preferences’ in the look of sport horses and ponies is contributing to issues surrounding obesity and insulin dysregulation, as well as the role that exercise can play in restoring normal function in equines (above and beyond what weight loss alone can achieve).

We hope you enjoyed this episode and be sure to follow us for more great content!

 

About the Expert

Dr. Shannon E. (Pratt) Phillips studied equine nutrition and exercise physiology for both her Master of Science (from the University of Kentucky) and her Doctor of Philosophy (from the University of Guelph). Shannon is currently a Professor of Equine Nutrition in the Department of Animal Science at North Carolina State University where she teaches in the field of equine science and nutrition. She is the director for the Distance Education Animal Science Programs, which includes the Master of Animal Science program. Her field of research focuses on glucose metabolism, insulin resistance and obesity in horses, as well as nutrient requirements of both equine and canine athletes. She has numerous peer-reviewed papers, and has written books, several book chapters, and hundreds of articles for popular press magazines.

If you enjoyed this podcast episode, be sure to check out our in-depth video content in the Sport Horse Series Video Library!

Nicole Lakin
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Back Pain in Equine Athletes | Episode 53
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Equine Bone Health – What Have We Learned? | Episode 51