Hyperlipaemia
Hyperlipaemia is caused by excessive amounts of fat in the blood stream. It is usually seen in animals that have had a reduction in appetite, sometimes through other illness, so break down fat tissue to gain energy. This condition is most commonly seen in shetlands and small ponies.
Signs
Affected horses will be depressed, off their food, weak and may have muscle twitches and bad breath with a greyish colour to the tongue.
Treatment
This condition can be extremely severe indeed and many animals do not survive, however, diagnosing the disease quickly and starting treatment greatly increases the chances of a successful case. Affected animals should be encouraged to eat and may need to be given insulin, glucose or heparin as well as intravenous fluids.