Prevalence of and risk factors for equine obesity in Great Britain based on owner‐reported body condition scores. (23rd May 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Robin, C. A.; Ireland, J. L.; Wylie, C. E.; Collins, S. N.; Verheyen, K. L. P.; Newton, J. R.
• Is Part Of: Equine veterinary journal. Volume 47:Number 2(2015:Mar.)
• Page Start: 196
• Page End: 201
• Publication Date: 2014-05-23
• Subjects: Horses -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 636.108905
• DOI: 10.1111/evj.12275
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0425-1644

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Summary</title> <sec id="evj12275-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Reasons for performing the study</title> <p>Few data are available on the prevalence of obesity in the general equine population of Great Britain (GB), and its associated risk factors.</p> </sec> <sec id="evj12275-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Objectives</title> <p>To estimate the prevalence of owner‐reported obesity in veterinary‐registered horses and ponies in GB, and identify factors associated with obesity.</p> </sec> <sec id="evj12275-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Study design</title> <p>A cross‐sectional survey of horse/pony owners in GB was undertaken using a postal questionnaire.</p> </sec> <sec id="evj12275-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>Thirty veterinary practices randomly selected horse/pony owners to complete a self‐administered postal questionnaire. Owners estimated body condition score using a modified Carroll and Huntington method (1–6 scale), and animals were classified as obese if they were scored as either 5 (fat) or 6 (very fat). Factors associated with obesity were assessed using logistic regression analysis.</p> </sec> <sec id="evj12275-sec-0005" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>Prevalence of obesity was 31.2% (n = 247/792; 95% confidence interval [CI] 27.9–34.2%). Factors associated with increased odds of obesity were breed (P<0.001), ease of maintaining weight (P<0.001) and primary use (P = 0.002). Compared to Thoroughbreds, draught‐type (odds ratio [OR] 7.3; 95% CI 3.1–17.1), cob‐type (OR 5.6; 95% CI 2.5–12.5), native (OR 3.2; 95% CI 1.8–5.78) and Welsh breeds (OR 3.5; 95% CI 1.9–6.2) were more likely to be obese. Animals described as 'good doers' were more likely to be obese than those described as readily maintaining normal weight (OR 3.7; 95% CI 2.6–5.3). Compared to competition animals, animals used for pleasure riding (OR 2.5; 95% CI 1.4–4.4) and nonridden animals (OR 2.9; 95% CI 1.5–5.5) were more likely to be obese.</p> </sec> <sec id="evj12275-sec-0006" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>Identification of at‐risk breeds and other horse‐ and management‐level risk factors for obesity will enable optimal targeting of owner education regarding management strategies to reduce the frequency of equine obesity.</p> </sec> </abstract>