The use of ultrasound imaging for assessing elements relating to equine obesity is the topic for this week. A research paper published in Animal: an international journal of animal bioscience in 2017 Dec 4:1-9 ‘Ultrasonographic measurements of localized fat accumulation in Shetland pony mares fed a normal v. a high energy diet for 2 years’ by Siegers EW et al looks at the effect that diet can have on horses using ultrasound imaging. The information contained in the abstract is focused on here.

Eight Shetland ponies were assessed in this study following feeding of two different types of diet (control and high-energy), with a low energy diet given in the winter, before body condition was looked at in different areas of the body via ultrasonography and then given a score. For a detailed list of the regions assessed ultrasonographically, please see the abstract and/or full article (which can be accessed by clicking here). All results were subjected to statistical analysis, and significant differences looked for.

Whilst there was no difference at the time the study was initiated, at 12 weeks after the study commenced the results revealed that the ponies fed the high energy diet exhibited increased fat thickness relative to controls. Furthermore, there appeared to be increased fat in the retroperitoneal regions, although the overall inferences that can be drawn revealed that fat build up was also highest subcutaneously and intra-abdominally. Interestingly this study also suggests that as is the case in humans, horses also are unable to physically increase uncontrollably with relation to their adipose tissue.

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