Serum lipids and lipoproteins in equine colic and grass sickness.

This study examines the levels of various lipids and lipoproteins in horses suffering from diseases such as equine dysautonomia (grass sickness) and colic, comparing these levels to those of healthy horses. The results reveal significantly elevated levels of total lipids, triglycerides, and free fatty acids in disease-stricken horses, alongside fluctuations in the presence and percentage of certain lipoproteins.

Research Scope and Aim

• The research aimed to investigate the levels of serum total lipids, lipoprotein fractions, triglycerides, cholesterol, phospholipids and free fatty acids in horses affected by grass sickness (equine dysautonomia) and colic. The motive behind this research was to gain a deeper understanding of these diseases and how they affect the biochemical parameters of the equine species.
• The researchers conducted comparative studies between sickness-stricken horses and healthy ones that were either grazing or stabled.

Findings

• The study detected a high degree of individual variation, but also identified distinct patterns. For example, total lipids, triglycerides, and free fatty acids presented significantly higher values than normal in cases of grass sickness and colic. Also, cholesterol was markedly higher in grass sickness cases only.
• Another significant discovery was the increase in pre-beta lipoprotein in colic and subacute grass sickness cases. This lipoprotein, undiscovered in healthy horses, was found in all groups studied.
• Additionally, the percentage of alpha 2b lipoprotein was significantly higher both in colic and grass sickness cases.

Interpretation

• According to the researchers, the changes described in these equine disease situations reflect the patterns that typically occur during fat mobilisation in the horse body.
• The researchers attribute these changes to multiple factors including decreased food intake due to disease, the release of cortisol and catecholamine – hormones associated with the body’s response to stress, and insulin resistance.

Conclusion and Implications

• The findings of this research considerably advance the understanding of the metabolic changes and stress responses in horses affected by grass sickness and colic. Knowing the changes in lipid and lipoprotein levels during these diseases could assist in developing more effective treatment and management strategies.