Definition, Assessment, Health Consequences and Management of Equine Obesity: A Review

Abstract

Obesity is a state of abnormal or excessive fat accumulation. Obesity in horses increases the risk of developing a variety of health issues such as: insulin dysregulation (ID), reduced athleticism, colic, abnormal reproductive performance, laminitis, endotoxaemia, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipaemia, impaired thermoregulation, pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, and osteochondrosis. Obesity is a significant health and welfare issue in horses that may go unreported or unnoticed due to a caregiver’s (owner) neglect. Weight gain occurs when a horse’s energy consumption exceeds his or her physical energy needs. Obesity is best assessed via necropsy or upon in vivo assessment with deuterium oxide administration, although this is not feasible in a clinical environment. In practice, obesity is assessed by: body condition scoring, cresty neck scoring, ultrasono graphic assessment, morphometric measurements, or biochemical indicators in the blood. Dietary and exercise programs are the primary means of controlling equine obesity. Pharmacologic assistance (levothyroxine sodium and metformin hydrochloride), being a secondary approach, may be effective in some cases. Management involves a long-term plan that requires the horse’s caregiver’s effort and discipline, as well as the support and supervision of their veterinarian. This paper outlines the assessment, health consequences, and management of equine obesity.

Focus on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of insulin dysregulation in horses

“…Exercise not only helps horses lose weight but also increases insulin sensitivity (Akinniyi et al, 2023b). Insulin sensitivity improved in ponies who exercised on a treadmill for 6 weeks, and this improvement was sustained even after 6 weeks of deconditioning (Freestone et al, 1992).…”

Can Nigerian horse owners effectively estimate body condition and cresty neck scores?

“…Body condition refers to the amount of fat on a horse's body. It is a reliable indicator of horse health [1]. A horse's body condition affects every aspect of its life, including reproductive efficiency, performance, and health.…”

“…One can use the BCS to assess a horse's physical shape, assess whether it's too lean, obese, or has a normal body condition, and then take measures to improve the score [1]. A thin horse may have problems with performance and reproduction, while an obese horse may suffer from insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and laminitis [1].…”

“…One can use the BCS to assess a horse's physical shape, assess whether it's too lean, obese, or has a normal body condition, and then take measures to improve the score [1]. A thin horse may have problems with performance and reproduction, while an obese horse may suffer from insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and laminitis [1]. Different body condition scoring systems have been used to evaluate body fat accumulation in horses and ponies [4,8], and the most commonly employed system is the 9-point Henneke BCS system [8].…”

“…Different body condition scoring systems have been used to evaluate body fat accumulation in horses and ponies [4,8], and the most commonly employed system is the 9-point Henneke BCS system [8]. It is widely used because it has been extensively validated [1].…”