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Equine veterinary journal2009; 41(2); 171-178; doi: 10.2746/042516408x342975

Prediction of incipient pasture-associated laminitis from hyperinsulinaemia, hyperleptinaemia and generalised and localised obesity in a cohort of ponies.

Abstract: The ability to predict ponies at increased risk of laminitic episodes, when exposed to nutrient dense pasture, would facilitate management to avoid disease. Objective: To identify variables and clinically useful cut-off values with reproducible diagnostic accuracy for the prediction of ponies that subsequently developed laminitis when exposed to nutrient dense pasture. Methods: A cohort of predominantly Welsh and Dartmoor ponies from a closed herd was evaluated in March 2006 (n = 74) and March 2007 (n = 57). Ponies were categorised as never laminitic or previously laminitic according to reported laminitic history and as clinically laminitic (CL) if laminitis was observed within 3 months following evaluation. Body condition score (BCS), cresty neck score (CNS), girth and neck circumferences (NC), withers height, blood pressure and hoof surface temperature, and plasma insulin, glucose, triglyceride, leptin, cortisol, ACTH, uric acid and TNF-alpha concentrations were measured. Analysis of sensitivity, specificity and receiver operating characteristic curves was used to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy for a variable to predict CL ponies. Results: Variables with diagnostic accuracy for the prediction of CL ponies included insulin, leptin, BCS, CNS, and NC:height ratio. Specific cut-off values of insulin (>32 mu/l), leptin (>73 ng/ml), BCS (> or = 7), CNS (> or = 4) and NC:height ratio (>0.71) had reproducible diagnostic accuracy for the prediction of laminitis. Combining tests did not result in higher diagnostic accuracy than individual tests of insulin or leptin during either evaluation. Conclusions: Tests of insulin and leptin concentrations and measures of generalised (BCS) and localised (CNS or NC:height ratio) obesity were beneficial in the prediction of laminitic episodes. Conclusions: These results highlight the importance of monitoring and reducing insulin concentration, and generalised and regional obesity in ponies to reduce risk of laminitis.
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Publication Date: 2009-05-08 PubMed ID: 19418747DOI: 10.2746/042516408x342975Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research sought to identify the factors and specific thresh hold values that can accurately predict ponies at risk of developing laminitis when exposed to nutrient rich pasture. The study found that certain levels of insulin, leptin, body condition score, cresty neck score, and neck circumference-to-height ratio were instrumental in foreseeing potential laminitic episodes.

Research Methodology

  • A cohort of mainly Welsh and Dartmoor ponies from a closed herd were studied in March of 2006 and 2007. The number of ponies examined in 2006 was 74, while in 2007, it was 57.
  • Ponies were categorized based on their prior history of laminitis and whether laminitis was observed within a three-month period post-evaluation.
  • The variables assessed included body condition score (BCS), cresty neck score (CNS), girth and neck circumferences, withers height, blood pressure, hoof surface temperature, as well as plasma concentrations of several biomarkers such as insulin, glucose, triglyceride, leptin, cortisol, ACTH, uric acid, and TNF-alpha.
  • The sensitivity, specificity, and receiver operating characteristic curves of these variables were analyzed to evaluate their accuracy in predicting clinically laminitic (CL) ponies.

Results

  • The study found that several variables displayed diagnostic accuracy for predicting Clinical Laminitis. These variables included insulin and leptin levels, Body condition score (BCS), Cresty neck score (CNS), and Neck circumference to height ratio.
  • Specific threshold values of these variables were identified. For insulin, a value greater than 32 mu/l was considered indicative; for leptin greater than 73 ng/ml, a BCS greater than or equal to 7, a CNS greater than or equal to 4, and a NC: height ratio of more than 0.71 were all indicative of increased risk of laminitis.
  • The research found that combining tests did not enhance the predictive accuracy; individual tests on insulin or leptin remained the most accurate during these evaluations.

Conclusions

  • The study concluded that measures of insulin and leptin concentration, alongside assessments of generalized and localized obesity, are beneficial in predicting potential laminitic episodes in ponies.
  • The findings emphasize the importance of continuous monitoring and reduction of insulin levels, as well as controlling overall and regional obesity in ponies as a preventive measure against laminitis.

Cite This Article

APA
Carter RA, Treiber KH, Geor RJ, Douglass L, Harris PA. (2009). Prediction of incipient pasture-associated laminitis from hyperinsulinaemia, hyperleptinaemia and generalised and localised obesity in a cohort of ponies. Equine Vet J, 41(2), 171-178. https://doi.org/10.2746/042516408x342975

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 0425-1644
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 41
Issue: 2
Pages: 171-178

Researcher Affiliations

Carter, R A
  • Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, USA.
Treiber, K H
    Geor, R J
      Douglass, L
        Harris, P A

          MeSH Terms

          • Animal Husbandry / methods
          • Animals
          • Cohort Studies
          • Comorbidity
          • Diagnosis, Differential
          • Female
          • Foot Diseases / blood
          • Foot Diseases / epidemiology
          • Foot Diseases / veterinary
          • Horse Diseases / blood
          • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
          • Horses
          • Hyperinsulinism / blood
          • Hyperinsulinism / epidemiology
          • Hyperinsulinism / veterinary
          • Leptin / blood
          • Obesity / blood
          • Obesity / epidemiology
          • Obesity / veterinary
          • Poaceae
          • Predictive Value of Tests
          • Risk Factors

          Citations

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