Hyperlipemia in Miniature Horses and Shetland Ponies

Hyperlipemia in horses is often times referred to as "fatty liver disease". Miniature Horses seem to be affected by this disease much more than big horse breeds.

Especially at risk are overweight miniatures, miniature mares nearing the end of their pregnancy and mares with nursing foals on their side.

Symptoms:

Anorexia (total refusal to eat)
Staggering
Sporadic blindness
Mental Confusion
Diarrhea

Be aware that many veterinarians and equine universities are not familiar with how commonly this is seen in Miniature Horses, so many Miniatures and ponies are misdiagnosed.

Any Miniature Horse that shows any of these symptoms should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible, and blood should be drawn to see if the horse is dumping fat from the liver.

Hyperlipemia can also strike stallions and geldings, but is not as common. For these cases an onset of colic can be a precursor to hyperlipemia.

Caught early, this disease is very treatable with high rates of survival. But, if it left to continue, the survival rate drops dramatically and treatments run into thousands of dollars.

One thing I have found to be helpful is to walk these horses on green grass to stimulate their appetite and get them eating again. Never under estimate the power of green grass. Most cases of hyperlipemia start with the horse refusing to eat, which puts their metabolism in a negative balance.

In order to be proactive, be sure your mares are at a good weight before breeding them. Any obese mares should be put on a program of diet and exercise to reduce their weight before breeding them.

Mares exhibiting signs of hyperlipemia with nursing foals on their side; should have their foals weaned immediately, as this will help restore the balance in their bodies.

Any time a Miniature Horse or Shetland pony refuses to eat, call your veterinarian immediately!