Donkey: Hyperlipaemia

Donkeys (and small pony breeds) are at particularly high risk of developing hyperlipaemia - abnormally high levels of triglycerides (fat) circulating within the blood. This occurs when the body’s energy supplies are limited (e.g. off feed) or nutritional demands are increased (e.g. pregnancy, disease) coupled with a metabolic abnormality called insulin resistance (donkeys are inherently insulin resistant). Hyperlipaemia can be a primary condition or secondary to anything which causes a donkey to go off its food. Hyperlipaemia is associated with a high mortality (death) rate due to organ failure and therefore recognition of ‘at risk’ animals is essential. Prompt and aggressive intensive care treatment of affected animals is essential to optimise their chances of survival.