• Integrative Veterinary Products Equine Metabolic Syndrome Herbal Blend veterinarian-compounded Chinese herbal formula

By Integrative Veterinary Products

Equine Metabolic Syndrome Herbal Blend

POA
size

Integrative Veterinary Products Equine Metabolic Syndrome Herbal Blend is a veterinarian-compounded traditional Chinese herbal formula developed to support horses with Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS). It is designed for horses with tendencies towards obesity, insulin resistance, increased appetite and laminitis.

In combination with an appropriate diet, this formula helps to improve glyceamic control and decrease inflammation. 

In Australia, certain traditional Chinese herbal formulas can only be dispensed by a registered veterinarian.

Traditional Chinese herbal medicine is most effective when the formula is selected for the individual animal. An in-person assessment with an integrative veterinarian is ideal, but telehealth can provide access when this is difficult or not possible.

If you would like to access Integrative Veterinary Products practitioner-dispensed herbal formulas, you can book a 15–30 minute phone or video consultation with Dr Tanya Meares BVSc.

Before your appointment, you will be asked to complete a form providing background information about your animal and their health concerns.

Consultation: $80
If herbal treatment is recommended, you will receive a $40 credit towards your first herbal order.

These formulas require practitioner dispensing under current regulatory guidelines.

How it Works

Overnutrition can occur from too much feed, the wrong type of feed or simply not enough work/exercise. This is a super common problem in domestic horses who no longer work for a living. Overnutrition leads to overuse of the Chinese Spleen (think pancrease and insulin in Western medicine). This in turn leads to dampness in Chinese medicine which fits well with the sweaty hot fat horses we often see. In Western medicine, we see insulin resistance and inflammation. These herbs strengthen the Chinese Spleen (digestion), improve glycaemic control and reduce inflammation. The may help reduce fat deposits including cresty necks.

Ingredients

Pinellia

Citrus reticulata

Poria

Coix

Atractylodes

Areca

Benincasae

Alismatis

Plantaginis

Cyperus
Dosing

Minis 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon once or twice daily

Horses 250-500kg 1/2 - 1 teaspoon once or twice daily

Horses 550-700kg 1-2 teaspoons once or twice daily

Dose may be halved as maintenance dose.

Shipping

We currently ship only to Australia. Contact us if you are in NZ and interested in getting our products.  (Not Canada or USA)

For more information, click here >

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of horses tend to suit this formula best?

This formula is designed for horses and ponies prone to obesity, cresty necks, insulin resistance and recurrent laminitis.

Many affected horses are easy keepers that gain weight easily despite relatively modest feed intake.
Can this formula replace dietary management?

No.

Dietary management remains the foundation of EMS treatment.

This formula is designed to support metabolic function alongside an appropriate low-sugar diet, weight management program and exercise plan where suitable.
Why is insulin resistance important?

Insulin resistance is one of the major drivers of EMS and significantly increases the risk of laminitis.

Improving insulin regulation helps reduce metabolic stress and may lower the risk of future laminitic episodes.
Can this formula help with cresty necks and fat deposits?

It may.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, abnormal fat accumulation is often viewed as a form of Dampness resulting from impaired transformation and transport of nutrients.

As metabolic function improves, some horses may gradually show reductions in regional fat deposits such as cresty necks.
Is this formula suitable for horses with active laminitis?

This formula is commonly used in horses where EMS is contributing to laminitis risk.

However, horses with active or severe laminitis should always receive prompt veterinary assessment and appropriate hoof management alongside any nutritional or herbal support.
How is EMS different from Equine Cushing's Disease (PPID)?

Although both conditions may increase laminitis risk, EMS is primarily associated with obesity and insulin dysregulation.

PPID is a hormonal disorder of the pituitary gland and is more commonly seen in older horses.

Some horses may eventually develop both conditions and require a different treatment approach.