Hi All, We have a horse we are treating for EMPF (Equine Multi- Pulmonary Fibrosis). He is PPID and is on Metformin to minimize the risk of laminitis due to the steroids he needs right now. The Metformin is chapping his lips even though we put Aquaphor on them to protect him. Of course we’ve been in touch w his internal medicine doctor at the large university teaching hospital who is overseeing his care, but thought I’d see if anyone here has advice in the meantime. This is his second round in 18 months and we are thrilled with his initial recovery and expect this to go as well. We think the Metformin came from a different source last time. Thx!
I seem to recall that Metformin is a drug for diabetes in humans. I think my mother took it. Did the vet explain how Metformin staves off laminitis?
Yes, that is why he is on it while he is on steroids. He is not high risk for laminitis otherwise. Thx!
My mare had the same reaction and I stopped it. If it’s burning their lips you can imagine what it could be doing internally. No way.
Actually, we got more from another pharmacy and he is already improving. He has to have it to minimize the potential for laminitis. He is PPID and is on steroids for treatment of EMPF, a very rare, autoimmune disorder. I believe he may be one of the few horses to have survived it. His owner is able to provide the very expensive medications and we are dedicated to him, as well.
Yes, it is a diabetes drug for humans. In horses, metformin has been shown to decrease the absorption of glucose in the intestine thus affecting insulin levels. There is an article about it on the KER website.
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