By ECIR Group

February 28, 2019 – We are rapidly approaching the spring solstice in the northern hemisphere and autumn solstice in the southern hemisphere. For caregivers concerned about the health of their metabolic horses, this can be a busy time sorting out what they may need to know about the current health status of their equine.

The fall is typically when seasonal rise can effect a PPID (pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction) status, possibly driving new or increased hyperinsulinemia and laminitis. The spring is a time when caregivers look to check their equine’s PPID and EMS (equine metabolic syndrome) diagnosis status, to determine if the treatment plan they have in place is effective.

The Equine Cushing’s and Insulin Resistance Group Inc. (ECIR) is pleased to be an ongoing source for answers to questions caregivers have for obtaining the best test and diagnosis results. Information may be found through the ECIR Group outreach forum, and on the ECIR Group website.

A recent additional source that can also help sort out the details is the ECIR Group Inc. film, Getting the Correct Diagnosis.

Providing a step-by-step overview of this important first consideration for effective treatment, the 12-minute film features ECIR Group Veterinary Advisor, Eleanor M. Kellon, VMD, and ECIR Group Veterinary Advisor and Director, Jaini Clougher, BSc., BVSc. Background, evidence, and protocol recommendations for diagnosing equine metabolic issues are reviewed.

“A focus of the ECIR Group is to help caregivers begin to make changes that will most immediately benefit the equine, which begins with accurate diagnosis,” states Eleanor M. Kellon, VMD. “You cannot treat properly without knowing the correct diagnosis.”

ECIR Group members appearing in the film also review their personal experiences in the importance of achieving diagnosis success for their equines.

Getting the Correct Diagnosis is the second in an ongoing series showcasing the ECIR Group protocol of Diagnosis, Diet, Trim, and Exercise (DDT+E). The film was made possible by generous contributions from A Friend of the ECIR Group, Auburn Labs Inc., California Trace, Forageplus, Mad Barn, Soft-Ride Boots, and Uckele Health and Nutrition Inc.

Getting the Correct Diagnosis may be viewed HERE. An introduction film, outlining who the group is and what they do, may also be viewed at this link.

About ECIR Group Inc.

Started in 1999, the ECIR Group is the largest field-trial database for PPID and EMS in the world and provides the latest research, diagnosis, and treatment information, in addition to dietary recommendations for horses with these conditions. Even universities do not and cannot compile and follow long-term as many in-depth case histories of PPID/EMS horses as the ECIR Group.

In 2013, the Equine Cushing’s and Insulin Resistance Group Inc., an Arizona not-for-profit corporation, was approved as a 501(c)3 public charity. Tax deductible contributions and grants support ongoing research, education, and awareness of Equine Cushing’s Disease/PPID and EMS.

The mission of the ECIR Group Inc. is to improve the welfare of equines with metabolic disorders via a unique interface between basic research and real-life clinical experience. Prevention of laminitis is the ultimate goal. The ECIR Group serves the scientific community, practicing clinicians, and owners by focusing on investigations most likely to quickly, immediately, and significantly benefit the welfare of the horse.

Photo: Wiki/Abujoy