Early Detection. Better Performance. Healthier Horses.

Let’s talk Endocrine Testing.

Many of the horses we see each day may appear healthy on the outside, yet may have underlying metabolic or hormonal disorders that quietly affect their performance, comfort, and long term soundness. At Ironwood Veterinary Services, we believe these conditions are best identified before they become a major problem.

Using our in-house Truforma diagnostic laboratory, we are able to collect your horse’s blood and perform several different blood tests right on your farm, allowing us to make timely, informed decisions without the delays associated with shipping samples to an outside laboratory.

What conditions can we screen for?

Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)

Equine Metabolic Syndrome is a disorder involving abnormal insulin regulation. Horses with EMS are at significantly increased risk of developing laminitis, even when they appear to be healthy.

Some horses develop obvious signs such as:

  • Easy weight gain

  • Cresty neck

  • Fat deposit over the tailhead

  • Previous episodes of laminitis

However, many athletic horses maintain a normal body condition while still having abnormal insulin regulation. Because insulin dysregulation often develops long before clinical disease appears, early screening allows us to identify at-risk horses and develop management strategies and monitor carefully.

Available testing on farm includes:

  • Baseline insulin testing

  • Oral Sugar Test (OST) to evaluate insulin response after a standardized sugar challenge

Pars Pituitary Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID or “Cushings Disease”)

PPID is one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting older horses. While many horse owners recognize the classic long haircoat associated with Cushing’s disease, early PPID often presents much more subtly.

Detecting PPID early allows treatment before clinical signs become more advanced, and allows us to monitor the progression of the disease appropriately.

Available testing on farm includes:

  • Baseline ACTH concentration

  • TRH Stimulation Test, which provides additional sensitivity for detecting early disease

Our Philosophy

At Ironwood Veterinary Services, we believe early detection and intervention are two of the most powerful tools in veterinary medicine. By incorporating metabolic screening into routine healthcare, we can identify problems earlier, make proactive management decisions quickly, and help keep your horse healthy, comfortable, and performing at their best for years to come.