Equine Hyperlipemia
 

Vets define Hyperlipemia as a secondary condition whereby a horses fat reserves rapidly enter the bloodstream causing the liver to over-stress, often causing death.  According to a comprehensive article published by Mary Boyce of CSU Stanislaus:

"Hyperlipemia in ponies is most frequently a primary disease associated with obesity, pregnancy, lactation, stress, and transportation."  "Most cases of hyperlipemia are associated with reduced food intake."

• Prevention - For prevention of hyperlipemia, Boyce notes a dietetic factor:

"Most cases of hyperlipemia can be prevented by maintaining feed intake. Enteral feeding of commercially prepared diets are recommended for miniature horses with enterocolitis, colic, or other anorexia-induced primary diseases."
 

• Onset - According to Boyce, another primary illness precedes the onset of Hyperlipemia:

"Clinical signs include fever, diarrhea, dehydration, anorexia, depression and endotoxemia. Another common primary disease was colic, or acute abdominal pain due to smooth muscle peristalsis."
 

• Treatment - Boyce notes that the treatment for hyperlipemia involves treating the primary disease and supplementing with drugs including glucose and insulin:

"Treatment of hyperlipemia in miniature horses consists of specific treatment of the primary disease, nutritional support, fluid therapy, and drug therapy."

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