Changes

===Description===

===Description===

A pedunculated lipoma is a benign fatty mass originating from the mesentery of the horse, and is the most-common intra-abdominal tumour of geriatric horses. A lipoma may lead to small intestinal strangulation or obstruction, and less commonly they may affect the small colon. The tumours are seen in all types of horses but mostly in ponies and cob-type horses. Geldings appear to be at a higher risk compared to mares and stallions, suggesting a possible endocrine aetiology. It is unclear whether the risk of lipoma formation is associated with body condition.

A pedunculated lipoma is a benign fatty mass originating from the mesentery, and is the most-common intra-abdominal tumour of the geriatric horse. A lipoma may lead to small intestinal strangulation or obstruction, and less commonly may affect the small colon. The tumours are seen in all types of horses but mostly in ponies and cob-type horses. Geldings appear to be at a higher risk compared to mares and stallions, suggesting a possible endocrine aetiology. It is unclear whether the risk of lipoma formation is associated with body condition.

Lipomas are often multiple in number and attach to the mesentery of the intestine via a stalk or pedicle of varying length. The stalk becomes wrapped around a segment of small intestine, causing compression of the intestinal lumen and corresponding mesenteric vessels. Longer stalks are associated with more severe and complete intestinal strangulation. More rarely, broad-based tumours arising close to the intestine can occur causing periodic restriction of ingesta without intestinal compromise. Lipomas may also be incidental findings at post mortem or exploratory laparotomy.

Lipomas are often multiple in number and attach to the mesentery of the intestine via a stalk or pedicle of varying length. The stalk becomes wrapped around a segment of small intestine, causing compression of the intestinal lumen and corresponding mesenteric vessels. Longer stalks are associated with more severe and complete intestinal strangulation. More rarely, broad-based tumours arising close to the intestine can occur causing periodic restriction of ingesta without intestinal compromise. Lipomas may also be incidental findings at post mortem or exploratory laparotomy.

===Diagnosis===

===Diagnosis===

The disease is characterised by the production of large volumes of gastric reflux following nasogastric intubation, although this may be absent in the early stages of disease. Multiple distended loops of small intestine may be palpable on rectal examination or visible on ultrasonographic examination. Occasionally the lipoma may be felt ''per rectum''. Fluid obtained by peritoneal tap may be normal early in the course of the obstruction; however, most horses with strangulating lipomas have an increased peritoneal fluid total protein and WBC count.

The disease is characterised by the production of large volumes of gastric reflux following nasogastric intubation, although this may be absent in the early stages of disease. Multiple distended loops of small intestine ('bicycle tyres') may be palpable on rectal examination. Transabdominal ultrasonography allows assesment of intestinal motility and possible distension. Occasionally the lipoma may be felt ''per rectum''. Fluid obtained by peritoneal tap may be normal early in the course of the obstruction; however, most horses with strangulating lipomas have an increased peritoneal fluid total protein and WBC count.

===Treatment===

===Treatment===