Hyperlipidemia, hyperlipemia, and hepatic lipidosis in American miniature horses: 23 cases (1990-1994).

The research investigates the occurrence and treatment of high lipid blood conditions and liver disease in American Miniature Horses. The researchers uncovered that these health conditions often occured due to an underlying disease, especially enterocolitis, and post-dietary restrictions. The study suggests that early detection and treatment could enhance survival rates in affected horses.

Research Purpose and Methodology

• The purpose of the study was to investigate cases of hyperlipidemia, hyperlipemia, or hepatic lipidosis in American Miniature Horses. These conditions are characterized by excessive amounts of lipids (fats) in the blood, and are often connected to liver disease or dietary issues.
• The researchers reviewed medical records of 23 horses affected by these conditions, recording common clinical signs, the duration of these signs, any primary disease that may have caused the conditions, and the survival rate of the horses.

Main Findings

• The most common clinical signs observed in these horses were anorexia and lethargy, with a mean duration of these symptoms being roughly 2.4 days.
• In 19 out of the 23 cases, a primary disease was identified. The most common primary disease was enterocolitis, an inflammation of the digestive tract.
• Intentional food restriction as a treatment for other issues such as colic resulted in hyperlipemia in 2 cases and hyperlipidemia in another case.
• Out of the four horses presenting with primary hyperlipemia, three showed signs of hepatoencephalopathy – a deterioration of brain function due to severe liver disease, which occurred as a secondary outcome to hepatic lipidosis.

Treatments and Survival Rates

• Common treatments for these conditions included the administration of dextrose, heparin, and insulin.
• The overall survival rate was found to be 61% (or 14 out of 23 cases).
• Severe cases where peak serum triglyceride concentrations exceeded 1,200 mg/dL resulted in all horses either dying or being euthanized. On the other hand, almost all horses with serum triglyceride concentrations below 1,200 mg/dL survived.

Implications of Findings

• The study’s findings highlight that horses, particularly American Miniature Horses, can quickly develop hyperlipidemia or hyperlipemia when in a state of negative energy balance, typically brought on by diet restrictions or the presence of other diseases.
• Therefore, early detection and treatment of these conditions could help improve survival rates for these animals.