Activity of 1,2-o-dilauryl-rac-glycero-3-glutaric acid-(6'-methylresorufin) ester lipase in peritoneal fluid may be associated with strangulating lesions, pancreatic fibrosis, and negative outcome in horses with colic.

Elevated peritoneal lipase may indicate strangulating colic lesions and poor prognosis in horses.

This prospective cross-sectional study investigated DGGR lipase activity in plasma and peritoneal fluid as a potential biomarker for colic severity and pancreatic pathology in horses. Researchers compared 25 healthy horses with 30 colic-presenting horses, measuring peritoneal WBC, lactate, and lipase activity. Pancreatic tissue was collected from 12 horses via convenience sampling. Results demonstrated significantly elevated plasma and peritoneal lipase activity in colic horses compared to healthy controls. Peritoneal lipase activity showed significant correlations with peritoneal lactate and WBC concentrations. Notably, elevated peritoneal lipase was associated with strangulating lesions and nonsurvival outcomes. Histopathologic examination revealed pancreatic fibrosis in 7 colic horses and 1 healthy horse, with correlations detected between fibrosis severity and lipase activity levels. One colic horse presented with gross acute pancreatitis. The findings suggest pancreatitis may be a concurrent condition in equine colic, with peritoneal lipase activity potentially serving as a prognostic indicator for severe lesions and negative outcomes.

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