What is an Equine Metabolic Panel?

An equine metabolic panel is a series of blood tests designed to evaluate a horse’s internal health. It provides critical insights into organ function, electrolyte balance, and metabolic processes, making it essential for routine health checks, diagnosing illnesses, and managing chronic conditions like Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) or liver and kidney diseases.

Basic Equine Metabolic Panel (BMP): What Does It Measure?

The BMP focuses on key markers that reveal important aspects of a horse's health:

• Glucose: Indicates blood sugar levels and helps diagnose conditions like EMS or insulin resistance.
• Calcium: Essential for skeletal health, muscle contractions, and nerve signaling.
• Sodium: Reflects hydration status and electrolyte balance.
• Potassium: Critical for muscle and heart function.
• Chloride: Works with sodium to maintain fluid balance and acid-base stability.
• Bicarbonate (CO2): Reflects the horse's acid-base balance and respiratory efficiency.
• Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): Indicates kidney function and protein metabolism.
• Creatinine: A measure of kidney filtration efficiency.

Comprehensive Equine Metabolic Panel (CMP): What’s Included?

The CMP builds upon the BMP by including additional tests to assess liver function, protein levels, and overall health:

• Albumin: A protein that helps regulate blood volume and maintain fluid balance.
• Total Protein: Indicates nutritional status and liver function.
• Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP): Enzyme linked to liver, bone, and intestinal health.
• Gamma-glutamyl Transferase (GGT): Specific to liver function and often elevated in liver disease.
• Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST): May indicate liver or muscle damage.
• Bilirubin: Helps assess liver function and red blood cell breakdown.

Why Do Veterinarians Order an Equine Metabolic Panel?

Veterinarians recommend a metabolic panel for several reasons:

• Routine Check-Ups: Monitor overall health, particularly in older horses or those prone to metabolic disorders.
• Symptom Investigation: Evaluate causes of lethargy, poor performance, weight changes, or swelling.
• Chronic Condition Management: Track conditions such as EMS, Cushing's disease, or kidney dysfunction.
• Medication Monitoring: Ensure treatments aren’t adversely affecting liver or kidney function.

What Can Abnormal Results Indicate?

Abnormal findings can point to underlying issues:

• High Glucose: Could indicate EMS or insulin dysregulation.
• Low Calcium: Suggests dietary imbalances, hypocalcemia, or parathyroid problems.
• High BUN/Creatinine: Points to kidney dysfunction or dehydration.
• Elevated GGT/AST: May signal liver damage, infection, or toxin exposure.
• Electrolyte Imbalances: Reflect dehydration, stress, or endocrine disorders.

How to Prepare a Horse for a Metabolic Panel

• Fasting: Not typically required, but consult your veterinarian for specific cases.
• Hydration: Ensure access to clean water, as dehydration can skew results.
• Medication Review: Discuss ongoing treatments with your veterinarian to understand their potential impact on test outcomes.

Partnering for Your Horse’s Health

Regular metabolic testing is a cornerstone of equine wellness, helping identify issues early and guiding effective treatments. Consult your veterinarian to determine when a metabolic panel might benefit your horse, and stay proactive about their health.