Use of a human enteral feeding preparation for treatment of hyperlipemia and nutritional support during healing of an esophageal laceration in a miniature horse.

The researchers found that using a human enteral feeding preparation effectively treated hyperlipemia in a miniature horse with an esophageal laceration, while also providing nutrition which supported the horse’s healing process.

Research Background

• The study was conducted on a miniature horse who was suffering from hyperlipemia, a condition characterized by an abnormally high concentration of fats or lipids in the blood, and an anorexic condition due to an esophageal laceration, or tear. Due to these health issues, the horse was unable to consume enough nutrients necessary for its healing.

Research Methodology

• The researchers decided to use a human enteral feeding preparation, a high-nutrient liquid, as the main method to deliver essential nutrients to the horse.
• The formula was introduced through a 12 F enteral feeding tube, a specialized tube specifically used for feeding patients who are unable or unwilling to consume food orally.
• The formula was delivered every 4 hours using a gravity flow method, which relies on the force of gravity to deliver the formula to the feeding tube.

Research Findings

• Within 48 hours of initiating this method, the hyperlipemia in the horse had resolved, effectively lowering the high lipid concentration in its blood.
• There were no observable signs of intolerance towards the feeding formula with the horse, demonstrating that a human enteral feeding preparation can be effectively used with a horse.
• The weight loss was effectively curtailed, suggesting that the nutrients delivered by the formula were successfully absorbed and used by the horse.

Research Conclusion

• The researchers found that the use of a human enteral feeding preparation can be a successful and convenient alternative in treating hyperlipemia in horses.
• In addition to resolving the hyperlipemia, it also provided the necessary nutritional support to the horse assisting in the healing process of the esophageal laceration.