Cinnamon Seniors: A Simple Anti-Carb Supplement for Horses with EMS?

My list of kindred blogging spirits is growing! Today I discovered a new blog, called “Paws, Claws and Just Tack” from the Animal Care Center in Castle Rock, Colorado.

Since the pergolide crisis last month, EMS has been on everyone’s minds. I’ve been hearing about feeding cinnamon on my EquineCushings list-serve and the vets from Colorado concur that the dusty spice may be helpful, or at least not harmful, to horses with Equine Metabolic Syndrome, aka endocrine-related challenges such as insulin-resistance. Hmmm…I may try some myself!

Shawn K. Wayment, DVM writes from Colorado:

“Several nutritional supplements have been advocated in the treatment/management of EMS. One of interest is the use of cinnamon to aid in the treatment of EMS. Cinnamon has been shown to exert some beneficial effects on humans with type 2 or adult-onset diabetes, and it is unlikely to have any negative or harmful side effects on your horse. Equine nutritionists have recommended administration of 4 tsp per 1000-lbs horse per day.

“Other widely recommended dietary supplements include chromium picolinate and magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, copper, zinc, manganese, and selenium. Omega-3 essential fatty acids (found in Flax seed oil 4 to 6 tsp per day) have also been shown to be beneficial to horses with EMS.

“Also, it has been recommended to add these supplements to soaked beet pulp instead of grain. Eliminate sources of easily digestible carbohydrates such as grain, sweet feeds, carrots, apples, and lush grass.”

Good luck to Dr. Wayman and the other vets at Animal Care Clinic. I am a staunch advocate for vet clinics having blogs so that vets and staff can post medical or emergency information without having to track down an IT person or learn code.

Please email me if you find other horse-health blogs out there on the web! Please read Dr. Wayment’s complete post on EMS, it has some good information. And be sure to check with your own veterinarian for a confirmed diagnosis if you suspect your horse is affected by this–or any–disorder.

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