A horse and rider compete in a western class at the Prince Albert Exhibition. Photo: Myrna MacDonald.
A horse and rider compete in a western class at the Prince Albert Exhibition. Photo: Myrna MacDonald.

November 2022

Researchers compare equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) to human type 2 diabetes because both are characterized by obesity and insulin resistance.

Cresty necks flag metabolic issues in horses 

Researchers compare equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) to human type 2 diabetes because both are characterized by obesity and insulin resistance.

While scientists are still hunting for a diagnostic biomarker to predict EMS, a recent WCVM study confirms that the cresty neck score (CNS) is a reliable visual marker of abnormal insulin metabolism in horses. Fat deposits along the crest or upper curve of a horse’s neck tend to develop in ponies and other breeds.

Owners need to regularly observe horses for deviations from their ideal weight, especially looking for cresty necks and other localized fat deposits.

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