HYPERLIPIDEMIA, HYPERLIPEMIA, AND HEPATIC LIPIDOSIS IN AMERICAN MINIATURE HORSES - 23 CASES (1990-1994)

The medical records of 23 American Miniature Horses with hyperlipidemi a, hyperlipemia, or hepatic lipidosis were reviewed. The most common c linical signs were anorexia and lethargy. The mean duration of clinica l signs was 2.4 days. A primary disease was identified in 19 cases. En terocolitis was the most common primary disease (n = 10). Intentional feed restriction, as part of treatment for colic, resulted in hyperlip emia in 2 horses and hyperlipidemia in 1. Four houses had primary hype rlipemia, 3 of which had signs of hepatoencephalopathy secondary to he patic lipidosis. Dextrose, heparin, and insulin were the most common t reatments. The overall survival was 61% (14/23). All hones with peak s erum triglyceride concentrations > 1,200 mg/dl died or were euthanatiz ed, whereas all but 1 with peak serum triglyceride concentrations > 1, 200 mg/dl survived. These findings suggest that when American Miniatur e Horses, like other ponies and donkeys, are in a negative energy bala nce, they can rapidly develop hyperlipidemia or hyperlipemia. Early de tection and treatment may improve survival.