Approach_to_the_horse_with_weight_loss

When approaching a horse that is experiencing weight loss, it is important to assess their overall condition first. Look for signs of dehydration, changes in coat quality, and any behavioral shifts that may indicate discomfort or illness. Additionally, consider the following steps:

• Evaluate the current diet: Ensure the horse is receiving adequate nutrition, including high-quality forage and balanced concentrates.

• Consult a veterinarian: A thorough health check can rule out underlying medical issues that may be contributing to weight loss.

• Monitor feeding routines: Implement a consistent feeding schedule and consider offering smaller, more frequent meals to improve digestion.

• Assess the environment: Ensure that the horse has a comfortable living space free from stressors that could affect their appetite.

Page 5: Considerations in Weight Loss Assessment

• Ask key questions:

  • What is the horse's position in the herd? Is it being out-competed for food?

  • Is there any lameness or underlying conditions affecting food intake?

• Notable points:

  • Horses can still eat well despite gastric diseases.

  • Kidney disease is rare in horses; often seen in rescue cases.

  • Importance of adjusting feed during pregnancy to prevent nutrient deficiency.

  • Risks of impactions due to improper chewing of long strand foods.

Page 6: Geographic Considerations

• Weight loss issues may vary by region:

  • Not commonly seen in the UK compared to other parts of the world.

Page 7: Signs of Inappetance

• Significant inappetance for three days:

  • Potential for jaundice development in horses.

  • Horses lack bile storage; liver problems are not easily observed.

Page 8: Reference Ranges for Blood Parameters

• Understanding blood parameters in cold-blooded horses:

  • Normal PCV (packed cell volume) is 28-32%.

  • Anemia may be more common in warm-blooded breeds.

  • Hyperalbuminaemia is rare; if present, treat as potential lab error.

Page 9: Serum Protein Interpretation

• Evaluation of serum proteins includes:

  • Hyperfibrinogenaemia: indicates infection, inflammation, or neoplasia.

  • Other key proteins:

    • Serum amyloid A and serum protein electrophoresis with limited sensitivity and specificity.

  • Understanding different fractions such as alpha, beta, and gamma:

    • Alpha indicates infection, inflammation, neoplasia.

    • Beta indicates parasitism and chronic infections.

    • Gamma indicates chronic infections or abscesses.

Page 10: Oral Glucose Absorption Test (OGAT) Procedure

• Testing method for small intestinal function:

  • Horse should be fasted overnight prior to test.

  • Administer glucose solution via nasogastric tube.

  • Calming the horse is crucial for accurate results.

• Interpretation of results ranges from normal to partial or complete malabsorption.

Page 11: Limitations of OGAT

• Issues with the OGAT:

  • Only indirectly assesses small intestinal function.

  • Some glucose absorption occurs in the large intestine.

  • Expensive and not always available.

  • Normal maximum absorption rate is 80%.

Page 12: Intestinal Biopsy Considerations

• Techniques for assessing intestinal health:

  • Multiple biopsies may be obtained through laparotomy.

  • Allows examination of the whole intestinal tract.

  • Segmental diseases like focal eosinophilic IBD can be resected.

  • Different approaches include midline under general anesthesia or flank under standing sedation.

Page 13: Summary of Causes of Weight Loss

• Common Causes:

  • Inadequate nutrition, dental issues, parasitic infections, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), liver disease.

• Less Common Causes:

  • Peritonitis, chronic grass sickness, and neoplasia.

• Initial Diagnostic Approach:

  • Physical examination, hematology, and biochemistry.

  • Ultrasound examination, peritoneal fluid analysis, OGAT, and response to non-specific therapy.

• Further Diagnostic Options:

  • Laparoscopy and laparotomy (potentially scintigraphy).

• Recommended Readings:

  • Relevant chapters from "Equine Internal Medicine."

Page 14: Questions

• Open invitation for questions to clarify any doubts or deepen understanding.