Lipid disorders in horses and foals

Abstract

Equine lipid disorders are characterised by an increase in levels of circulating triglycerides resulting from a negative energy balance, which happens because of various factors such as inflammation or inadequate dietary intake. Lipids are absorbed from the equine diet as fatty acids and can be stored or directly used for energy depending on metabolic demand, with a positive energy balance favouring lipogenesis and a negative balance promoting lipolysis. Hyperlipaemia is a syndrome defined by high triglyceride concentrations and opalescent serum. It is common in ponies, donkeys and miniature breeds, especially during late gestation or early lactation. Stressful events like transportation or hospitalisation can precipitate the development of the condition. Although the prognosis is guarded in severe cases, clinical signs are often overlooked and diagnosis relies on measurement of triglyceride levels. Management involves treating the initial cause, where possible, and addressing negative energy balance through enteral or parenteral nutrition. A similar syndrome is described in sick neonatal foals, requiring similar management strategies.