Equine Thyroid Disorders and Supplements, What Do We Need to Know?

Although horses often receive thyroid hormone supplements, thyroid disorders are rare, and supplementation can be detrimental. This session reviewed the equine thyroid disorders and the evidence behind thyroid hormone supplementation.

1. Describe the testing protocols available for hypothyroidism.

2. Describe the risk associated with inappropriate thyroid hormone supplementation.

François-René graduated with a DVM from the National Veterinary School of Nantes (France) and pursued an internship in equine medicine and surgery at the National Veterinary School of Alfort (France). He specialised in Large Animal Internal Medicine at Purdue University and is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM). He completed a PhD in Haemovascular Physiology at McGill University (Canada) and was on faculty at The University of Queensland (Australia) for 8 years before returning to Purdue University. He is a practicing veterinarian whose specialties are equine endocrinology and metabolic disorders leading to laminitis. His research focuses on diagnostic testing and management of insulin dysregulation and pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction. He has authored numerous research articles, book chapters, and a textbook. He is the leader of the international Equine Endocrinology Group for EMS and for thyroid disorders.