Clinical insights: Equine obesity

2020 ◽  
Vol 52 (5) ◽  
pp. 635-638
Author(s):  
Edward J. Knowles ◽  
Lucy Grieve
Keyword(s):  
Equine Obesity

How human behaviour change science can help us manage obesity in horses

UK-Vet Equine ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 50-54
Author(s):  
Tamzin Furtado
Keyword(s):  
Behaviour Change ◽  
Energy Input ◽  
Human Behaviour ◽  
Education Levels ◽  
Equine Obesity ◽  
Reducing Energy

Equine obesity is one of the biggest welfare concerns facing our leisure horses today. As a preventable issue, with many serious consequences, obesity should be simple to fix (by reducing energy input and increasing exercise) – yet this issue remains one of the most complex and pervasive problems for the UK's horses. Despite many campaigns to raise awareness and improve owner education, levels of obesity in horses are thought to be as high as ever. In this article, we unpick some insights gained from the fields of psychology, sociology and human behaviour, which will help practitioners to find ways to buck the trend and encourage the equine community to manage horses' weight proactively.

Tackling equine obesity

Equine Health ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 (16) ◽  
pp. 16-17
Author(s):  
Hannah Briars ◽  
Annette Longland ◽  
Pat Harris
Keyword(s):  
Equine Obesity

Fit and fat; a horse carer’s perspective

2009 ◽  
Vol 2009 ◽  
pp. 6-6
Author(s):  
D Abraham ◽  
L C Dumbell
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Exercise Regime ◽  
Weight Condition ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Welfare Problem ◽  
Equine Obesity ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Horse Owners ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Fitness Levels

Obesity in horses and ponies, is according to many equine related charities (Blue Cross, BHS) becoming an increasing welfare problem. Recent studies have linked equine obesity and insulin resistance with development of debilitating laminitis (Vick et al., 2007). Poor nutritional management and sedentary lifestyles are to blame for the growing proportion of obese horses (Buff et al., 2005). The horse carer is responsible for the health and welfare of the horse and as such should monitor the weight, condition and exercise regime to ensure appropriate fitness levels to maintain health and performance. Indeed, Johnson (2002) reports that certain management practices tend to promote the development of obesity in mature horses as they enter their teenage years. Horse owners must therefore consider management practices throughout the horse’s life, as the provision of starch-rich and fat-supplemented rations to healthy horses that are relatively inactive may promote the development of obesity increasing the risk of laminitis (Johnson, 2002). The aims of this research were to ascertain the condition score and fitness levels of horses and ponies when diagnosed with laminitis, as reported by the horse carer and to gain insight into how these factors may influence the health and welfare of the domestic horse.

Equine obesity and the role of the veterinary nurse

UK-Vet Equine ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (6) ◽  
pp. 265-268
Author(s):  
Clarissa Seeley ◽  
Stella Chapman
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
The Body ◽  
Body Condition Scoring ◽  
Client Education ◽  
Inherent Problem ◽  
Equine Obesity ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Uk

Equine obesity is defined as a medical disease in which excess body fat has accumulated to such an extent that it has an adverse effect on the general health of the horse. Obesity is a cause for concern, with one-third of the equine population in the UK being regarded as obese, although owner recognition of obesity in horses is an inherent problem, with many underestimating the body condition or weight of their horse. This is further complicated by the fact that with larger framed horses, or horses that are already overweight, assessing body condition is more difficult. There are a number of ways to assess body condition and the most practical means of regular assessment is body condition scoring, although this is regarded as subjective. As with many diseases and disorders, the cause of obesity is multifactorial. However, the most common reason for a horse to become obese is overfeeding, coupled with a lack of exercise. Obesity can be addressed with client education and veterinary nurses can provide advice on weight management programmes. However, these need to be tailored to the individual horse and owners need to recognise that they are entering into a long-term commitment.

scholarly journals Prevalence of equine obesity in Sweden assessed from official animal welfare control data

2015 ◽  
Vol 57 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. O7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peta Hitchens ◽  
Jan Hultgren ◽  
Jenny Frössling ◽  
Ulf Emanuelson ◽  
Linda Keeling
Keyword(s):  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Control Data ◽  
Equine Obesity

Prevalence of and risk factors for equine obesity in Great Britain based on owner-reported body condition scores

2014 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 196-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. A. Robin ◽  
J. L. Ireland ◽  
C. E. Wylie ◽  
S. N. Collins ◽  
K. L. P. Verheyen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Great Britain ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Equine Obesity ◽  
Body Condition Scores

scholarly journals Equine obesity: current perspectives

UK-Vet Equine ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (Sup5) ◽  
pp. 1-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Rendle ◽  
Caroline McGregor Argo ◽  
Mark Bowen ◽  
Harry Carslake ◽  
Alex German ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Equine Obesity

‘Supersize me’: On equine obesity

2012 ◽  
Vol 194 (2) ◽  
pp. 137-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.N. Sillence
Keyword(s):  
Equine Obesity
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