Equine Metabolic Syndrome: Understanding the Role of Ertugliflozin

09/21/2025 10:21 AM - Comment(s) - By Amy Fischer

Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) is a complex endocrine disorder that affects horses, particularly those with a history of obesity, insulin resistance, and laminitis. Recent studies have highlighted the potential benefits of using Ertugliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, in managing EMS.

What is Ertugliflozin?

Ertugliflozin is a medication that works by inhibiting the reabsorption of glucose in the kidneys, leading to increased glucose excretion in the urine. This mechanism of action has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce glucose levels in horses with EMS.

Benefits of Ertugliflozin in EMS Management

Mechanism of Action	Benefits
Inhibits SGLT2, reducing glucose reabsorption in the kidneys	Improves insulin sensitivity, reduces glucose levels, and decreases insulin resistance
Increases glucose excretion in the urine	Reduces the risk of laminitis and other metabolic complications associated with EMS

Clinical Studies and Research

Several studies have investigated the efficacy and safety of Ertugliflozin in horses with EMS. A study published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science found that Ertugliflozin significantly improved insulin sensitivity and reduced glucose levels in horses with EMS.

Another study published in the Equine Veterinary Journal found that Ertugliflozin reduced the risk of laminitis and other metabolic complications associated with EMS in horses.

Graph of horse Insulin reduction over time Average horse lameness score reduction

graph of common side effect of ertugliflozin in horses

Conclusion

Ertugliflozin has shown promise as a potential short-term treatment for Equine Metabolic Syndrome. However, further research is needed to fully understand its effects and potential side effects.

References

PMC. (2021). Ertugliflozin for the treatment of equine metabolic syndrome. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10072834/
Wedgewood Pharmacy. (n.d.). Ertugliflozin. https://www.wedgewood.com/medications/ertugliflozin/
Ker. (n.d.). Ertugliflozin for managing metabolic horses. https://ker.com/equinews/ertugliflozin-for-managing-metabolic-horses/
Wiley Online Library. (2020). Ertugliflozin for the treatment of equine metabolic syndrome. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/eve.13738
ScienceDirect. (2004). Equine metabolic syndrome. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0739724024000572
Avon Ridge Equine. (n.d.). Ertugliflozin Client Information Sheet. https://avonridgeequine.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Ertugliflozin-Client-Info-Sheet.pdf
Avon Ridge Equine. (n.d.). Laminitis. https://avonridgeequine.com.au/laminitis/
ForagePlus. (n.d.). Using new medication for EMS. https://forageplus.co.uk/using-new-medication-for-ems/
Merck Veterinary Manual. (n.d.). Equine Metabolic Syndrome. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/metabolic-disorders/equine-metabolic-syndrome/equine-metabolic-syndrome#Treatment_v3282356