A cross-sectional survey on wounds in horses in New Zealand.
Abstract: To determine the frequency and type of skin wounds encountered by New Zealand veterinarians in their equine patients, the duration and estimated costs of treatment as well as the expected outcomes for these wounds. Methods: An online survey was sent to all veterinarians registered with the New Zealand Equine Veterinary Association. The survey comprised questions on the location and experience of respondents, the number of wound-related cases in relation to the total equine caseload, the type and anatomical location of wounds treated, the frequency, duration and costs of treatments, the outcome of wound treatment and an estimate of the most common causes of death or euthanasia in their equine patients. Results: The survey response rate was 110/262 (41.9%). The median number of equine cases seen by respondents was 20 (interquartile range (IQR) 6-60) per month; of these, five (IQR 2-10) were wound related. Wounds ranked third after lameness and respiratory disease for the relative frequency with which respondents encountered them. Of 102 respondents 59 (58%) reported that their clients frequently treated wounds incurred by their horse without consulting a veterinarian. Wounds on the distal limb, whether involving only the skin or also deeper structures, were reported by 86/101 (85%) respondents as the most frequently encountered. Wounds in this location also incurred the longest treatment period and were the most prone to develop complications. Finally, wounds ranked second, after colic, as the most common cause of death/euthanasia in the veterinary respondents' equine patients. Conclusions: The data obtained via the survey indicate that skin wounds, particularly on the distal limb, are a common occurrence in horses in New Zealand and, when they involve structures underlying the skin, are costly and time-consuming to manage and may lead to decreased performance, retirement or euthanasia. Consequently, we recommend that more effort be devoted to the education of equine veterinarians and owners, and that appropriate research funds be allocated to help improve patient outcomes.
Publication Date: 2015-10-07 PubMed ID: 26357976DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2015.1091396Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
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.
The research paper is a study on the prevalence and severity of skin wounds on horses in New Zealand, based on an online survey of New Zealand veterinarians. It identifies that skin wounds, especially on the lower limbs, are a common issue requiring substantial effort and resources to manage and often leading to major outcomes like decreased performance or euthanasia.
Methodology
- The researchers conducted an online survey. This survey was sent out to all members of the New Zealand Equine Veterinary Association.
- The survey questions pertained to several areas of interest like the location and experience of respondents, the number and types of wounds treated, frequency, duration, and cost of treatments, as well as the most common causes of death or euthanasia among equine patients.
Results
- The response rate for the survey stood at 41.9%, with 110 respondents from a total of 262 invitees.
- On average, respondents treated 20 horse patients per month, with around five of these cases involving wound treatment.
- Wounds ranked third after respiratory diseases and lameness in terms of frequency.
- Of all 102 respondents, 58% reported that horse owners often treated their equine’s wounds without veterinary consultation.
- Wounds on the lower limb — either on the skin solely or involving deeper structures — were the most common, as reported by 85% of the respondents.
- Wounds were pointed out as the second most common cause leading to death or euthanasia, next only to colic.
Conclusions
- The survey’s results indicate that skin wounds on horses, especially on the lower limb, are a frequent problem in New Zealand.
- Such wounds, when they involve subcutaneous structures, become costly and time-consuming to manage, having potential to decrease performance levels or necessitate retirement or euthanasia.
- To combat this issue, the researchers propose increased efforts towards the education of equine veterinarians and horse owners, in addition to allocating appropriate research funds to work towards improved patient outcomes.
Cite This Article
APA
Theoret CL, Bolwell CF, Riley CB.
(2015).
A cross-sectional survey on wounds in horses in New Zealand.
N Z Vet J, 64(2), 90-94.
https://doi.org/10.1080/00480169.2015.1091396 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- a Equine Research Centre, Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences , Massey University , Palmerston North 4442 , New Zealand.
- a Equine Research Centre, Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences , Massey University , Palmerston North 4442 , New Zealand.
- a Equine Research Centre, Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences , Massey University , Palmerston North 4442 , New Zealand.
MeSH Terms
- Animal Husbandry
- Animals
- Cross-Sectional Studies
- Data Collection
- Horse Diseases / epidemiology
- Horses / injuries
- New Zealand / epidemiology
- Surveys and Questionnaires
- Wounds and Injuries / epidemiology
- Wounds and Injuries / veterinary
Use Nutrition Calculator
Check if your horse's diet meets their nutrition requirements with our easy-to-use tool Check your horse's diet with our easy-to-use tool
Talk to a Nutritionist
Discuss your horse's feeding plan with our experts over a free phone consultation Discuss your horse's diet over a phone consultation
Submit Diet Evaluation
Get a customized feeding plan for your horse formulated by our equine nutritionists Get a custom feeding plan formulated by our nutritionists
