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Australian veterinary journal2014; 92(4); 101-106; doi: 10.1111/avj.12159

Prevalence and risk factors for hyperinsulinaemia in ponies in Queensland, Australia.

Abstract: To determine the prevalence of hyperinsulinaemia in a population of ponies in Queensland, Australia, and identify associated factors. Methods: Breeders or traders of ponies within a 100 km radius of Gatton, Queensland, were recruited for study using an internet database. Clinical and management details were obtained, including body condition score, fat deposition and history or evidence of laminitis. Blood samples were analysed for serum insulin and triglyceride concentrations and plasma adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and leptin concentrations following short-term removal from pasture and withholding of supplementary food for at least 12 h. Results: Of 23 pony studs identified, 22 were available for visit. The study population consisted of 208 ponies: 70 Australian Ponies; 67 Welsh Mountain Ponies or Cobs; 51 Connemara Ponies; 20 Shetland ponies. We excluded 20 with suspected pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (>15 years, ACTH >50 pg/mL). In total, 27% of the ponies (51/188) were hyperinsulinaemic (insulin >20 μIU/mL). The final multivariable model revealed increasing age, supplementary feeding and increased leptin and triglyceride concentrations to be associated with hyperinsulinaemia. Conclusions: Hyperinsulinaemia was prevalent and associated with age and evidence of metabolic disturbance, including elevated leptin and triglyceride concentrations, in this population. A significant number of ponies were at risk of hyperinsulinaemia, which has implications for strategies to reduce the risk of laminitis in this population.
© 2014 Australian Veterinary Association.
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Publication Date: 2014-03-29 PubMed ID: 24673135DOI: 10.1111/avj.12159Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • 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.

This study aimed to determine the rate and associated factors of hyperinsulinaemia, or insulin overproduction, in ponies around Gatton, Queensland, Australia and found that it is relatively common and related to age, supplementary feeding, and signs of metabolic derrangement, such as high leptin and triglyceride concentrations.

Methodology

  • Samples for this research were taken from pony breeders or traders within 100 kilometers of Gatton, Queensland.
  • Information about the ponies, such as their body condition, fat accumulation, and signs of laminitis, a painful inflammation of the hoof, were gathered.
  • Blood samples were collected after the ponies were kept off pasture and away from supplementary food for a minimum of 12 hours. These samples were tested for levels of serum insulin and triglycerides, plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and leptin.
  • The study involved 208 ponies of different breeds: 70 Australian, 67 Welsh Mountain Ponies or Cobs, 51 Connemara, and 20 Shetland ponies. Twenty ponies suspected of having pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, an endocrine disorder, due to being older than 15 years and having ACTH levels above 50 pg/mL, were excluded from the study.

Findings

  • Out of the 188 ponies studied, 27%, or 51 ponies, were found to have hyperinsulinaemia, defined by insulin levels greater than 20 μIU/mL.
  • The data analysis exposed a link between hyperinsulinaemia and factors such as getting older, additional feeding, and increased leptin and triglyceride concentrations.

Conclusions

  • The study established that hyperinsulinaemia was widespread among the studied ponies and was linked to age and evidences of metabolic disturbances, including high leptin and triglyceride concentrations.
  • A significant number of ponies were found to be at risk of developing hyperinsulinaemia, which could result in an increased risk of laminitis in their future.
  • The study’s findings support the need to develop strategies to reduce the incidence of laminitis in ponies by managing aspects such as diet that contribute to hyperinsulinaemia.

Cite This Article

APA
Morgan RA, McGowan TW, McGowan CM. (2014). Prevalence and risk factors for hyperinsulinaemia in ponies in Queensland, Australia. Aust Vet J, 92(4), 101-106. https://doi.org/10.1111/avj.12159

Publication

Australian veterinary journal
ISSN: 1751-0813
NlmUniqueID: 0370616
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 92
Issue: 4
Pages: 101-106

Researcher Affiliations

Morgan, R A
  • Philip Leverhulme Equine Hospital, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, CH64 7TE, United Kingdom.
McGowan, T W
    McGowan, C M

      MeSH Terms

      • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / blood
      • Animals
      • Female
      • Horse Diseases / blood
      • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
      • Horses
      • Hyperinsulinism / blood
      • Hyperinsulinism / epidemiology
      • Hyperinsulinism / veterinary
      • Insulin / blood
      • Leptin / blood
      • Logistic Models
      • Male
      • Queensland / epidemiology
      • Triglycerides / blood

      Citations

      This article has been cited 21 times.
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