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Home / Equine Research Bank / Equine Vet J / A cross-sectional study of colic in horses on thoroughbred t...
Equine veterinary journal2001; 33(4); 380-385; doi: 10.2746/042516401776249499

A cross-sectional study of colic in horses on thoroughbred training premises in the British Isles in 1997.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of colic in horses in Thoroughbred training premises in 1997 in the British Isles. The seasonal pattern and outcome of colic episodes were also investigated, together with any association between premises level variables and colic. Data were collected by a postal questionnaire. The results showed a colic incidence density of 7.19/100 horse years (s.e. 0.42) and a cumulative incidence of colic of 5.80% (s.e. 0.30). Premises were grouped according to whether they had more Flat than National Hunt horses (Flat premises) or more National Hunt than Flat horses (NH premises). A similar rate of colic episodes was found in each group. However, significantly higher cumulative incidences of one episode of colic were found in the Flat premises and of multiple episodes in the NH premises, respectively. The outcome of each episode of colic showed spontaneous recovery in 28.7%, medical recovery in 63.1%, surgical recovery in 2.0% and death in 6.2% of cases. This indicated an overall mortality rate from colic of 0.45 deaths/100 horse years. The seasonal pattern of episodes of colic showed a spring and autumn peak, with significant differences in the seasonal pattern between the Flat and NH premises. Relative risk analysis and logistic regression modelling with random effects showed significant associations between the number of episodes of colic and the number of horses on the premises (allowing for the number of horses on each premises, the larger premises had a decreased risk of colic). After adjusting for the number of horses, 3 other variables were associated with colic; Flat premises (with an increased risk), the owner being the sole person looking after the horses (a decreased risk) and the premises being a combined training and breeding establishment (a decreased risk).
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Publication Date: 2001-07-27 PubMed ID: 11469771DOI: 10.2746/042516401776249499Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This study focused on estimating the incidence rate of colic (a severe, often fluctuating pain in the abdomen) in Thoroughbred horses in training premises within the British Isles during 1997. The researchers also examined seasonal patterns and outcomes of colic episodes, as well as correlations between premises-level variables and colic incidents.

Research Methodology

  • The researchers accumulated data through a postal questionnaire, sent to the management of Thoroughbred horse training premises within the British Isles.
  • The premises were categorized into two groups: those with more Flat (race-running on level ground) than National Hunt (race-running over obstacles) horses, and vice versa.

Main Findings

  • The study found an incidence density of colic in horses to be 7.19 out of 100 horse years, and a cumulative incidence of colic at 5.80%.
  • Incidence rates were similar across both types of premises.
  • The data revealed more instances of one-time colic occurrence in the Flat premises, and multiple colic bouts in the National Hunt premises.
  • Of all the colic cases, 28.7% recovered spontaneously, 63.1% required medical intervention, 2.0% necessitated surgery, and 6.2% resulted in the death of the horse. This led to an overall mortality rate from colic of 0.45 deaths per 100 horse years.
  • The data also presented a spring and autumn peak in colic episodes, with noted differences in seasonal patterns between the two premises.

Correlation Between Colic and Premises-level Variables

  • The study performed a relative risk analysis and logistic regression modelling with random effects to evaluate relationships between the number of colic episodes and the premises’ characteristics.
  • The research revealed a significant correlation between the size of the premises and the number of colic episodes, with larger premises experiencing a lower risk of colics after adjustment for the number of horses.
  • Three additional variables showed association with colic incidences: premises used for flat racing had a higher risk, premises where the owner was the sole caretaker had a lower risk, and combined training and breeding establishments showed a lower risk.

Cite This Article

APA
Hillyer MH, Taylor FG, French NP. (2001). A cross-sectional study of colic in horses on thoroughbred training premises in the British Isles in 1997. Equine Vet J, 33(4), 380-385. https://doi.org/10.2746/042516401776249499

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 0425-1644
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 33
Issue: 4
Pages: 380-385

Researcher Affiliations

Hillyer, M H
  • Equine Centre, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford, North Somerset, UK.
Taylor, F G
    French, N P

      MeSH Terms

      • Animal Husbandry / statistics & numerical data
      • Animals
      • Breeding
      • Colic / epidemiology
      • Colic / veterinary
      • Cross-Sectional Studies
      • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
      • Horse Diseases / etiology
      • Horse Diseases / prevention & control
      • Horses
      • Incidence
      • Physical Conditioning, Animal
      • Risk Factors
      • Seasons
      • Surveys and Questionnaires
      • United Kingdom / epidemiology

      Citations

      This article has been cited 24 times.
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