As equines, Miniatures and
small ponies are subject to the same illnesses as their larger counterparts.
However, some conditions are commonly seen more often in these pint-sized steeds
than in large ponies and full-sized horses.
Miniature horses and donkeys are subject to a disturbance of lipid metabolism
that results in abnormally high blood levels of fats and triglycerides (Hyperlipidemia/Hepatic
lipidosis)
as well as impaired liver function. Signs are varied and may include reduced
appetite, lethargy, weakness, depression, diarrhea, and edema (fluid
accumulation) at the belly midline. Minis that are inappetent, inactive, obese,
or insulin resistant are usually susceptible to this problem, and obese ponies
experiencing some sort of stress are at increased risk. Primary hyperlipidemia
occurs without the presence of a predisposing disease, and this is more common
in donkeys and Shetland ponies. Secondary hyperlipidemia is linked to another
disease process, often some sort of gastrointestinal condition, and is seen more
in Miniature horses.
Treatment varies by the type of hyperlipidemia and may include nutritional
support, avoidance of stress, administration of heparin or insulin, and
treatment of concurrent illness. Prognosis is poor for animals with primary
hyperlipidemia, especially if treatment is not started early in the course of
disease. Aggressive treatment of the underlying disease condition can improve
the health of Minis suffering from secondary hyperlipidemia.
Miniature horses and small ponies are susceptible to equine Cushing’s disease
(ECD). This condition results from abnormalities in the pituitary gland and
often leads to insulin resistance and laminitis. Ponies with ECD can be managed
by eliminating grain and restricting most or all grazing. Feeding grass hay with
a low carbohydrate level (less than 10% nonstructural carbohydrate) is
recommended. These equines can be given a balancer pellet to supply necessary
vitamins and minerals. -
read
more about this here.
If it is not possible to completely remove Miniature horses from pasture, the
best time for them to graze is late at night and very early in the morning when
sugars are at their lowest levels in pasture grass. Use of grazing muzzles and
drylots allows these horses to move around and interact with their peers while
restricting grass intake.
Stifle and joint problems.
Minis are somewhat more likely than larger horses to have skeletal problems such
as dislocation of the hip and stifle, malformation of bones in the shoulder, and
osteoarthritis associated with these joints. Regular exercise and weight
maintenance to limit obesity can be somewhat helpful in preventing discomfort.
Colic due to standard causes occurs in Minis with about the same frequency as in
larger horses. However, in Minis under a year of age there is an increased
incidence of colic caused by fecoliths (dried, hardened feces) within the small
colon. Minis also have a slightly higher risk of forming abdominal adhesions
after colic surgery.
Collapse of the trachea.
An unusual problem for horses in general that is somewhat more frequent in
smaller equines is collapse of the trachea (windpipe). Though this can occur in
late-pregnant Miniature mares, it is more often seen in older animals and is due
to tissue degeneration. Signs are extreme exercise intolerance, squeaking or
wheezing sounds when the horse breathes, and an obvious effort to exhale.
Prognosis is not favorable and surgery or other treatments have not been very
successful.
Bute toxicity.
Not a disease, but still something to keep in mind: small ponies and Miniature
horses seem to have more incidences of phenylbutazone (bute) toxicity than
full-sized horses. This may be related to an increased sensitivity or a
misjudgment of body weight leading to an accidental overdose. Ponies and Minis
being treated with bute should be monitored for gastrointestinal ulcerations and
kidney disease that may result from toxicity.
Credits
Kentucky Equine Research Staff
The Dick Vet Equine Practice - Easter Bush Veterinary Centre
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