Historically, the risk of strangulating lipoma obstruction (SLO) in horses has been attributed to specific signalment criteria, such as older age, sex (geldings are at increased risk), and breed (Saddlebreds, Arabians, and Quarter Horses are at increased risk). In a recent collaborative, multicenter study at Colorado State University, University of Florida, and Three Counties Equine Hospital (UK), researchers reviewed potential risk factors that may be modifiable to mitigate the risk of strangulating lipoma colic.
This retrospective study included 55 SLO cases from January 2022 to May 2024 and 167 nonhospitalized horses as matched controls. The researchers reviewed questionnaires from owners about potential horse and management risk factors. To mitigate the possibility of recall bias, the questionnaires were administered within seven days of SLO diagnosis or control selection.
The researchers hypothesized older horses, male horses, and pony breeds are at higher risk, as well as horses with endocrine and metabolic disease and horses that experienced changes in stabling, pasture turnout, feeding, or exercise in the previous four weeks.
Risk Factors for Strangulating Lipoma Colic
The study identified specific risk factors, including laminitis in the last 12 months and especially in the previous four weeks. It also found that management strategies to maintain optimal weight, especially for horses with equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), reduced the risk of SLO.
Aging was corroborated as a risk factor in this study. Horses younger than 8 tend not to develop SLO. The authors noted that pedunculated lipomas take some time to form so as the horse ages, the risk increases.
The researchers also confirmed that some breeds are at increased risk. Affected breeds tend to be predisposed to higher body condition scores, which could increase their potential to develop lipomas in the mesentery or omentum. The authors suggested further research might shed light on breed factors related to adipose deposition and insulin regulation.
This study did not find an association between male sex and SLO risk. They noted that laminitis (to which mares and geldings are equally predisposed) is a modifiable risk factor. The authors reported that “Uncontrolled or undiagnosed endocrine disorders (for example, PPID or EMS) or carbohydrate-induced laminitis, may place horses at higher risk of SLO, compared to PPID or EMS that has been diagnosed and is appropriately controlled.”
Colic risks, in general, are associated with recent management changes, such as those involving stabling and turnout. This study identified that stabling in the previous four weeks is a risk factor for SLO, possibly due to altered intestinal motility coupled with the presence of a pedunculated lipoma.
Take-Home Message
Older horses and specific breeds have the highest risk of SLO. Caretakers can mitigate this risk through weight control, EMS management, laminitis prevention, and avoiding sudden changes in stabling.
Reference
Gillen A, Hassel D, Gonzalez S, et al. Risk factors for equine strangulating lipoma colic: An international, case-control study. Equine Veterinary Journal Aug 2025; DOI: 10.1111/evj.70104
Related Reading
- Disease Du Jour: Equine Intestinal Disease Research
- Preoperative Fasting Increases Post-Anesthetic Colic Risk in Horses
- Strangulating Lipomas in Horses
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