Risk factors for strangulating lipoma obstruction and lipomata in horses

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Equine Surgery
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Strangulating lipoma obstruction (SLO) is a leading cause of equine small intestinal strangulation, often fatal without surgical intervention.
• Existing epidemiological data on risk factors for SLO and lipoma (LP) formation is limited, necessitating further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify horse-level risk factors associated with strangulating lipoma obstruction (SLO) and/or abdominal lipoma (LP) formation.
• To compare horses with SLO or LP to those without, among horses presenting with acute colic.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, international, multicentre epidemiological study was conducted over 27 months across 8 equine clinics (UK and USA).
• Data from 392 horses undergoing surgery or post-mortem examination for acute colic were analyzed.
• Signalment, adiposity, endocrine status, and lipoma deposition were assessed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression.

Main Results:

• Increasing age, male sex, and clinical indicators of Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) were significantly associated with a higher likelihood of SLO.
• Increasing age, EMS indicators, laminitis history, and increased jejunal mesenteric and omental fat scores correlated with a greater likelihood of LP formation.
• Data was obtained from 392 horses, including 108 with SLO and 190 with LP.

Conclusions:

• Preventative measures targeting adiposity and EMS development are crucial for reducing the incidence of lipoma (LP) and strangulating lipoma obstruction (SLO).
• Further research into differential adipose tissue deposition patterns in male and female horses is recommended.