A global team of researchers collaborated to investigate risk factors for strangulating lipoma obstruction (SLO) in horses. Strangulating lipomas can cause colic that usually is deadly without surgical intervention.

Older horses are at increased risk of strangulating lipoma obstruction, according to several research studies. SLO cases had a mean age of 16–19 years. Geldings have double the likelihood of SLO compared to mares, based on previous research. Research also found certain breeds are at increased risk of strangulating lipomas, including ponies, Saddlebreds, Arabians, and American Quarter Horses. 

Research on Stangulating Lipoma Colic

Researchers in the U.K. and U.S. conducted a prospective, multicenter study between January 2022 and May 2024. The study included horses that had strangulating lipomas confirmed by exploratory laparotomy at the four participating hospitals. Researchers randomly selected three controls per case, matched on clinic and time.

Research Results

In addition to the risk factors noted above (age and sex), the researchers found strangulating lipomas were “more likely in horses with a prior history of laminitis or increased stabling in the previous four  weeks.”

They also found management strategies to maintain optimal weight and address equine metabolic syndrome were protective.

The researchers noted, “Factors that predispose to lipoma formation, such as increased adiposity, would appear to be plausible potential risk factors. However, this is an area in which limited investigation has been undertaken.

“Increased weight and body condition score (BCS) have been suggested to be risk factors for SLO; however, this was not confirmed in a retrospective study.

“In addition, a cadaver study found that both insulin dysregulation (measured by serum glucose and insulin) and histological evidence of pituitary hyperplasia were associated with the presence of mesenteric lipomata.

“Therefore, investigation of markers of adiposity and endocrine disease, including equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), on the risk of SLO is justified,” the researchers concluded.

Reference

Risk factors for equine strangulating lipoma colic: An international, case–control study. Equine Veterinary Journal 2025. Alexandra Gillen, Diana Hassel, Sam Gonzalez, Victoria Savage, Anje Bauck, David Freeman, Debra C. Archer.

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  • Kimberly S. Brown and Jewell

    Kimberly S. Brown is an award-winning writer and publisher. She founded My Senior Horse for Equine Network and Linda Mars in her retirement, and now she is an editor of the brand. Brown previously had spent 10 years at Equine Network. Prior to that she worked for three years in equine nutrition after she retired from nearly 30 years working at The Blood-Horse. Brown spent the last 15 years of her time at that organization creating and developing the award-winning The Horse and TheHorse.com.

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