Equine hyperlipaemia: a review

Weight loss resistance: A further consideration for the nutritional management of obese Equidae

“…Equidae are 'trickle-feeding, caeco-colic fermenters,' adapted to a relatively continuous intakes and digestion of low quality forage (Ralston and Baile, 1982). Further increases in the severity of feed restriction could promote undesirable behaviours, gastric ulceration and potentially fatal hyperlipaemia (Curtis et al, 2011;Hughes et al, 2004;Murray and Eichorn, 1996;McGreevy et al, 1995). Where possible, the superimposition of controlled-exercise on less severe levels of DR may be more 'welfare-protective' than a progressive increase in the severity of food restriction.…”

“…Anorexia, whether imposed or voluntary, can trigger the development of hyperlipaemia, a potentially fatal sequel to rapid lipolysis, to which obese ponies and donkeys are particularly susceptible (Hughes et al, 2004). Further, at low planes of DMI, small differences in forage quality may have unintentionally large effects on nutrient under-provision and could potentially promote the development of hyperlipaemia when very poor quality feeds are offered.…”

Triglycerides, free fatty acids and total bilirubin in horses with left ventral colon impaction

“…In comparison with reported reference range (<1.13 mmol/l) the measured triglyceride concentration of these colic horses was slightly out of range (Naylor et al 1980). This elevated triglyceride concentration could be caused by overwhelming of clearance mechanisms (Hughes et al 2004). There was a moderate elevation of serum FFAs measured at admission and after impaction resolution.…”

Hyperlipaemia in a laminitic pony following imposition of dietary restriction and in‐feed medications

“…Hyperlipaemia is defined as an elevation of triglycerides above 5.6 mmol/l, whereas hypertriglyceridaemia is not associated with clinical signs and is accompanied by triglyceride concentration between 1 and 5.6 mmol/l (Hughes and others 2004). However, Dunkel and McKenzie (2003) referred to an intermediate condition which they termed SHTG, which they reported in hospitalised horses with triglyceride concentrations greater than 5.65 mmol/l but without obvious serum opacity.…”