Hyperlipemia or hyperlipidemia syndrome is not a separate disease, but rather a disorder of fat metabolism that mainly occurs in ponies and donkeys. It primarily affects overweight ponies that suddenly start eating significantly less food.
When energy supplies are high, horses are able to convert carbohydrates into fatty acids, which are stored in fatty tissue. These fatty acids can be mobilized again in large quantities, especially in ponies, when there is a sudden shortage of energy. These fats, known as triglycerides, accumulate in the blood and are transported to the liver, where they are converted into energy. However, if the liver becomes overloaded due to excessive fat mobilization, fat metabolism is disrupted and the fat content in the blood rises. The excess fat is then deposited in the liver and other organs.
The body's own hormone insulin plays a decisive role in this process. In a healthy organism, insulin is responsible for transporting sugar into the cells and storing fat. Insulin inhibits the breakdown of fat deposits. If insulin activity is reduced, more fat is mobilized. Scientific studies have shown that ponies have a genetic predisposition to insulin resistance, which means that their cells are less sensitive to insulin. This genetic predisposition makes them more susceptible to diseases such as laminitis or hyperlipidemia.
The various factors that can trigger hyperlipemia syndrome in ponies include certain underlying conditions such as colic, laminitis, severe parasite infestation, or dental disease, as well as stress-inducing factors such as pregnancy, difficult birth, or transport, all of which cause the animal to eat too little or expend a lot of energy.
However, what they all have in common is a negative energy balance resulting from a sudden lack of external energy, which must therefore be obtained by mobilizing fat deposits.
The symptoms of the disease can vary greatly depending on any underlying conditions. At the onset of the disease, the animals usually show a slight loss of appetite, which can lead to a complete refusal to eat or drink. Affected ponies are apathetic, reluctant to move, and have an increased pulse and respiratory rate. The mucous membranes are yellowish-washed to bluish in color. As the disease progresses, colic symptoms, diarrhea, bad breath, and fever may develop. Pregnant mares may suffer miscarriage. Further consequences of hyperlipemia can include kidney and heart failure. If left untreated, the situation can quickly worsen and lead to the death of the animal within a few days due to circulatory failure or liver rupture. So if you notice that your otherwise always hungry pony suddenly starts eating less, take it to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
The veterinarian will first perform a general examination and, based on the findings and a detailed preliminary report, will be able to make a preliminary diagnosis. However, the most important further examination is a blood test, as this can reliably detect hyperlipidemia. A milky-brown discoloration of the settling blood plasma can already be observed in the blood tube. The blood count can reveal the metabolic disorder in the form of elevated fat levels and changes in liver and kidney values.
In principle, hyperlipemia requires rapid action, because the sooner treatment begins, the better the chances of recovery. The first step is therefore to treat any underlying primary diseases that may have been diagnosed and to eliminate known stress factors. In order to stop fat mobilization and restore the energy balance, the animal's appetite must then be stimulated. Tasty foods such as grass, carrots, grains, and molasses are suitable for this purpose. If the animal does not start eating on its own, it will be force-fed sugar solutions via a nasogastric tube. The acidification of the blood and the disturbed electrolyte and fluid balance are corrected with the help of special infusion solutions. In addition, various medications can be administered to reduce blood lipids.
Depending on the severity and extent of the metabolic disorder, the type of underlying disease, and the start of treatment, the chances of recovery can vary greatly. In some cases, a cure can be achieved if the underlying disease or stress factors are detected early and treatment is started in good time. Unfortunately, however, the overall prognosis is still considered poor, as 60 to 80% of affected ponies and up to 100% of affected donkeys die from liver failure caused by massive fat deposits.
The most important preventive measure is a balanced diet tailored to the animal's needs and preventing obesity in ponies and donkeys. If animals are already overweight, care should be taken to ensure that weight loss is slow and that extreme periods of starvation do not occur under any circumstances. You can use the petsXL health passport to clearly record and monitor your pony 's weight. Stress should be avoided, especially in well-nourished ponies. Regular deworming and sufficient, regular exercise also help to reduce the risk of hyperlipidemia.
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