In Practice 26: 548-552 (2004)
© 2004 British Veterinary Association

Management of equine hyperlipaemia

¹ The Royal Veterinary College, London.

EQUINE hyperlipaemia is characterised by abnormalities in lipid metabolism and primarily affects ponies and donkeys. The condition has a high mortality rate of between 60 and 100 per cent, and a reported prevalence of between 5 and 11 per cent in ponies and 18 per cent in donkeys in referral hospital populations. Early recognition of the disease and prompt intervention are vital to improve an animal's chance of survival. This article discusses risk factors and reviews current treatment options for this challenging condition. In view of the poor prognosis, it highlights the importance of client education in disease prevention.