Conclusion
The aim of this review was to demonstrate our growing understanding of
the complexities of adipose tissue and its essential role in the
morbidity of equine obesity. It is vital that knowledge gleaned from
this work should be translated into practical benefits in terms of
equine welfare; helping owners and veterinary surgeons to mitigate the
impact of obesity on the domestic equine population. The authors have
found it is useful to include discussion of “unhealthy” adipose when
communicating with owners about obesity. In doing this, the owner should
become aware that the horse is not just fat, but this fat is producing
factors which negatively impact most other organs in the body.