Ultrasound Measurements Key in Donkey Hyperlipidemia Diagnosis

In a recent study, the diagnostic utility of ultrasound measurements of croup fat thickness (CFT) and liver echogenicity for lipomobilization in donkeys with fasting-induced hyperlipidemia was investigated. The study involved 25 donkeys, randomly assigned to a fasting group (FG) and a control group (CG). The fasting group underwent a 10-day experiment, consisting of a fasting stage and a post-fasting stage.

Throughout the experiment, various parameters were evaluated, including body weight, body condition score, ultrasound CFT, gluteal muscle thickness, liver ultrasonography, and blood metabolites. The results showed that ultrasound CFT decreased significantly during fasting, indicating lipomobilization for energy due to a negative energy balance. Donkeys with CFT ≥ 7mm before fasting were more likely to develop hyperlipidemia post-fasting.

Hepatic ultrasonography revealed increased relative echogenicity (RE) during fasting, suggesting hepatic lipidosis as a complication of fasting. The serum concentrations of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and other lipid profile indices peaked at 4 days of fasting and then decreased post-fasting. The study also found correlations between ultrasound measurements of CFT and RE with blood lipid parameters.

The study concluded that ultrasound measurements of CFT and RE could serve as diagnostic tools for hyperlipidemia in donkeys. The reversible variations in serum metabolites post-fasting indicated that therapy may be unnecessary, especially in less severe cases. The research provided valuable insights into the effects of fasting-induced hyperlipidemia on donkeys and the potential utility of ultrasound in assessing lipid metabolism in equines.