Metabolic syndrome is becoming an epidemic problem with our equine and canine companions. Equine metabolic syndrome is a chronic devastating disease in horses that is poorly understood, difficult to manage and is being increasingly diagnosed in domestic horses. Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) describes a characteristic collection of clinical signs and clinicopathologic changes in equids. It includes obesity, increased regional adiposity (particularly neck crest and tail head regions), and insulin resistance accompanied by basal hyperinsulinemia (≥35uU/ ml).
This talk will focus on exploring the concept of ‘Phlegm’, that is why the body’s insulin receptors cannot sense insulin, with reference to ‘Gu’ syndrome, translated into modern language as biofilm, the treatment of biofilm with citrus peel and Curcumin zedoria.
The different ‘patterns’ or tissue types seen in Metabolic syndrome can be depressed tissue (Spleen Qi deficiency) with relaxed tissue (Phlegm) with or without tension (Liver Qi stagnation). These patterns explain ways to increase insulin sensitivity, to stabilize glycemic levels, and reduce hypertension.
The treatment of these patterns with western botanical medicines will be explored. This presentation has the equine practitioner in mind, but the information is equally appropriate and useful for the small animal practitioner.