EQUINE HYPERLIPIDEMIA

A disorder of lipid metabolism, equine hyperlipidemia, occurs most com monly in Shetland ponies and donkeys. Onset is precipitated by malnutr ition, stress, and anorexia. Breed, concurrent diseases, and such cond itions as obesity, pregnancy, and lactation may be predisposing factor s. Hyperlipidemia is characterized by signs that are initially vague ( e.g., dullness, lethargy, and inappetence) but that rapidly progress a s fatty infiltration of the liver and kidneys results in hepatic and/o r renal failure. Plasma triglyceride concentrations are elevated-in se verely affected equids or in advanced cases, concentrations can rise t o more than 6500 mg/dl. Mortality is high. Therapy includes treatment of underlying disease, correction adn maintenance of energy balance, a nd normalization of plasma lipid concentrations.