Editorial—Clinical Techniques This Month

Article Outline

• Copyright

In this issue, two excellent papers on “Preventing Endocrine Related Laminitis” and “Endocrine Testing in Horses: Metabolic Syndrome and Cushing's Disease” are presented by Dr. Tom Divers, Professor of Medicine, Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine. The syndrome/disease of metabolism and Cushing's disease for years were thought to be one and the same. In these two papers you will learn how to differentiate the two and what tests can be used to guide you in your diagnosis. Being able to differentiate the two common equine problems early will allow you to prescribe the best treatment and prevent the sequela of laminitis. In the past, we believed that these two endocrinopathies only occurred in older horses, but now there is evidence supporting the belief that horses as young as 3 years of age can be affected by equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) and horses less than 10 years old with equine Cushing's disease (ECD). Please let us know if this is not the kind of information that is of the greatest benefit in your practice as you deliver the quality of equine care your patients and owners expect and appreciate.