Obesity

Abstract

Obesity is an emergent problem in domestic horse and pony populations that has health and welfare implications. Equine obesity, in particular, has been associated with insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia, which are risk factors for laminitis, particularly the pasture-associated form of this condition. Recognition of these adverse consequences of obesity has prompted research on the epidemiology and pathophysiology of obesity in equids as well as strategies for weight loss and other aspects of management that may mitigate risk of obesity-associated health problems. This chapter reviews current knowledge of the prevalence, causes and consequences of obesity in horses and ponies. It also provides recommendations for dietary and exercise management of obesity based on current knowledge and understanding.

Effect of increased adiposity on insulin sensitivity and adipokine concentrations in horses and ponies fed a high fat diet, with or without a once daily high glycaemic meal

“…Pasture‐associated laminitis is a significant cause of morbidity in domestic horse populations worldwide , with obesity or recent weight gain recognised to be a major risk factor . Obese horses and ponies (exhibiting generalised or regional adiposity) often have evidence of insulin dysregulation ‐ a recently proposed term that encompasses insulin resistance (IR), fasting hyperinsulinaemia and exaggerated insulin responses to oral carbohydrates .…”

Nutrition considerations for the aged horse

“…Equine metabolic syndrome is characterised by insulin dysregulation, (local or generalised obesity) and increased risk of laminitis (Frank et al . ; Geor and Harris ,b) and is commonly thought to be present in middle aged and older animals.…”

“…Nutritional advice : Consider following the recommendations for weight reduction (e.g. Geor and Harris ,b). Continue to monitor weight through weekly use of a weigh tape (heart and belly girth plus rump width may be useful to monitor) and to maintain routine vaccination, dental and parasite control.…”

“…However, concurrent conditions such as PPID, especially when associated with insulin dysregulation, may necessitate limiting access to pasture to reduce the risk of laminitis. Forage, or forage replacers with a nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) content <12% and preferably 10% should then be provided (Geor and Harris ,b). Ideally, for those with dental compromise, the use of softer hays with a high leaf to stem ratio, haylage or chopped hay may be beneficial, although an older report suggests that feeding chopped fibre can exacerbate interdental food packing if diastemata are present (Miles and Grigson ) and may be best avoided if periodontal disease is of concern.…”

Development of an index based on ultrasonographic measurements for the objective appraisal of body condition in Andalusian horses

“…This method consists in evaluating the deposition of subcutaneous fat in specific body regions and the subsequent assignment of a score considering established criteria through a palpation and visual assessment (Carter & Dugdale, 2013). Even though it has become a universally accepted method to estimate the degree of fatness , BCS possesses well-known limitations at the individual level as occurs with the BMI, including the inability of both systems to directly distinguish between lean and fat tissue (Frankenfield et al, 2001;Geor & Harris, 2013). Therefore, with the same BCS, substantial variation in adiposity can occur (Dugdale et al, 2011a).…”