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Current estimates suggest that one-third of all domestic horses are obese, placing them at a higher risk for such diseases as osteoarthritis. In turn, osteoarthritis remains a leading cause of pain, poor performance, retirement, and even loss of life.

“Studies show that overweight but otherwise apparently healthy individuals secrete inflammatory mediators such as adipokines and cytokines that mimic systemic inflammation in nonobese individuals. Increases in these inflammatory mediators may contribute to the development of obesity-related inflammatory disorders such as osteoarthritis,” explained Laura Petroski, B.V.M.S., a Kentucky Equine Research veterinarian.

While this theory is widely accepted by many, no equine-specific studies have shown a direct link between increased adiposity and osteoarthritis. A Canadian-based research team recruited 54 horses with various body condition scores ranging from thin to obese. Total fat mass (kg) and body fat percent, grade of lameness, and synovial fluid levels of the inflammatory biomarkers prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and glycosaminoglycan were determined.

The two key findings of the study included:

  • Body condition score was positively correlated with body weight, fat mass, fat percent, activity level, and increased PGE2 levels in the blood but not synovial fluid; and
  • Body weight was positively correlated with increased levels of PGE2 in the blood but not synovial fluid.

“Overall, these data show that body condition score, body weight, and activity level are all positively associated with systemic inflammation but not joint inflammation. That said, the identified associations were weak, potentially suggesting that a number of other factors could contribute to increased inflammation due to PGE2,” summarized Petroski.

“The degree to which this increased PL-PGE2 [blood levels of PGE2] contributes to articular damage is not known and requires further study. Direct contribution of adipose tissue to production of articular inflammatory biomarkers in horses requires further research,” concluded the research team.

Regardless of the underlying mechanisms, it is clear that equine obesity is problematic and should be avoided in all horses.

“In addition to consulting with a Kentucky Equine Research nutrition advisor, consider supplementing overweight or obese horses with a joint product such as KER-Flex (Glucos-A-Flex in Australia), Synovate HA, and EO-3,” advised Petroski.

*Pearson, W., K. Wood, S. Stanley, et al. 2018. Exploring relationships between body condition score, body fat, activity level and inflammatory biomarkers. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition (Berl) 102(4):1062-1068.

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