Obese Equid

Question 1

What are the challenges with a horse being obese?

Answer 1

Excess body fat increases the risk of health impairment; i.e. a welfare issue

For every increase in fat score over 3.5:

6 X greater risk of getting laminitis

5 X greater risk of getting dermatological conditions.

2.5 X greater risk of developing chronic musculoskeletal conditions, (Fat pad behind knee causes)

Fat mares pass on the risk of greater adiposity

• EPIGENETICS
• They are changing the biology of their horses (foals born with higher fat cell to normal cell ratio)

Question 2

Fat is metabolically active: help clients understand?

Answer 2

• Fat cells produce adipocytokines
• Some adipocytokines maintain the body in a state of chronic inflammation
• Some adipocytokines impair insulin action
• All get worse the fatter the horse!
• Inflammation and insulin resistance over time changes blood flow
• Long term metabolic changes

(causes heart attack in human heart attack in feet in horses)

Question 3

Fatness is associated with?

Answer 3

• Chronic inflammation
• Insulin resistance
• Changes in vascular function/endothelium (Blood flow)
• 10000s of research papers in all animals including humans

Question 4

Metabolic laminitis is the equine equivalant to what in the human?

Answer 4

Heart attack

High insulin plus chronic inflammation target = blood vessel lining (endothelium)

People = heart attacks

Horses = laminitis

Laminitis: failure of blood flow to the foot

Question 5

Reduce the risk of obesity in horses

With the 4 step plan. Outline it?

Answer 5

1. Control calories
2. Maintain bulk (fibre)
3. Provide optimal nutrition
4. Lifestyle changes not diet
   
   • Communicating with clients – prevention and solutions
   • Requires long term compliance

Question 6

How does insulin metabolism change with age?

Answer 6

• Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) concentrations declines with age in the horse
• Aging appears to alter metabolic control, immune function and endocrine function in horses, both at rest and following exercise.
• Being fat and un-exercised will have a negative influence on health and exacerbate the changes
• If mature horses gain weight, they gain fat mass at a rate faster than FFM and have > % fat compared to comparable weight young horses

Question 7

Key practical principles for reducing equine obesity

Advise :?

Answer 7

• Fat loss reduces IR
• Control calories
• Maintain bulk
• Balance vitamins and minerals
• Nutritional support not diet
• Exercise