Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, UK.
Equine Vet J. 2021 Sep;53(5):923-934. doi: 10.1111/evj.13378. Epub 2020 Dec 3.
The epidemiology of equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) is poorly described.
To estimate the prevalence of EMS in native UK ponies and cobs in England and Wales and identify associated risk factors.
Cross-sectional study.
Breeders registered with UK native pony breed societies and registered riding schools and livery yards within a set radius were invited to participate. All native UK ponies and cobs aged 3-14 years and not diagnosed or being treated for conditions likely to affect insulin regulation at participating premises were eligible. Animals underwent a clinical examination and an oral glucose test while their owner or keeper completed a questionnaire by face-to-face interview. Data were analysed by multilevel uni- and multivariable modelling using insulin concentration and EMS diagnosis as outcomes.
A total of 354 animals were examined at 64 properties (19 studs, 19 livery yards, 26 riding schools). The overall prevalence of EMS adjusted for clustering within yard was 23.3% (95%CI 17.9%-29.8%). Risk factors associated with a diagnosis of EMS included age, being female, more sedentary main activity, obesity, and shorter periods on pasture during the summer. Compared to the Welsh section A, the other Welsh, Connemara and cob breeds all had decreased odds of EMS. Clinical manifestations of hoof growth ring and supraorbital fat scores of 3/3 were more frequent in EMS ponies and animals with a history of laminitis within the last 5 years (9.7%) were 14.4 (95% CI 5.9-35.3) times more likely to be positive for EMS than those without.
Results may not be transferable to other breeds or age groups.
Equine metabolic syndrome is highly prevalent in UK native ponies and cobs with modifiable risk factors including obesity and sedentary activities. Modifying risk factors could help reduce the risk of laminitis in susceptible animals.
马属动物代谢综合征（EMS）的流行病学描述较差。
估计英国本土小马和矮马在英格兰和威尔士的流行率，并确定相关的危险因素。
横断面研究。
邀请英国本土小马品种协会的饲养员、注册骑术学校和马厩参加。所有年龄在 3-14 岁之间、在参与场所未被诊断或正在治疗可能影响胰岛素调节的疾病的英国本土小马和矮马均符合条件。动物接受临床检查和口服葡萄糖测试，而其主人或饲养员则通过面对面访谈完成问卷。使用胰岛素浓度和 EMS 诊断作为结果，通过多水平单变量和多变量模型进行数据分析。
在 64 个场所（19 个种马场、19 个马厩、26 个骑术学校）共检查了 354 匹马。调整了马厩内聚类因素后，EMS 的总体患病率为 23.3%（95%CI 17.9%-29.8%）。与 EMS 诊断相关的危险因素包括年龄、性别、以久坐为主的主要活动、肥胖和夏季在牧场上的时间较短。与威尔士 A 区相比，其他威尔士、康尼马拉和矮马品种的 EMS 患病率较低。EMS 小马的蹄生长环和眶上脂肪评分 3/3 的临床表现更为常见，且在过去 5 年内有蹄叶炎病史的动物（9.7%）诊断为 EMS 的可能性是无蹄叶炎病史动物的 14.4 倍（95%CI 5.9-35.3）。
结果可能不适用于其他品种或年龄组。
英国本土小马和矮马的 EMS 患病率很高，肥胖和久坐等可改变的危险因素与之相关。改变这些危险因素可能有助于降低易感动物发生蹄叶炎的风险。
