A survey of aged horses in Queensland, Australia. Part 2: Clinical signs and owners’ perceptions of health and welfare.

This research examines the prevalence and risk factors for disease symptoms in aged horses in Queensland, Australia. The study found that most owners were able to identify symptoms of disease in their horses, but there was an observed gap between recognizing these symptoms and getting appropriate veterinary attention.

Research Methodology

• The researchers approached horse owners through an equestrian organization in Queensland, Australia. They invited the owners to fill out a questionnaire about their horses that were 15 years and older.
• The questionnaire included sections on observed clinical signs of disease in the horses, as well as their disease history.
• Participants were also asked to flag any health or welfare issues they believe were important in aged horses.

Major Findings

• About 83% of the horses were reported to have had at least one clinical sign of disease. The most commonly reported signs were muscle stiffness, lameness, ocular discharge, changes in hair coat, and skin problems.
• Increasing age was identified as a risk factor for the presence of disease symptoms. Certain breeds had increased risks for specific conditions—Ponies were more likely to have laminitis and hirsutism, while Thoroughbreds had an increased risk of stereotypies, wounds, weight loss, and musculoskeletal signs.
• While owners often identified multiple symptoms of ill health, they reported a known disease or disorder in their horses less frequently. This suggests that some symptoms may go unrecognized or untreated.
• Owners ranked weight loss, arthritis/lameness, and teeth/dental care as the top health issues for their horses. Welfare issues were also of concern but were less frequently reported.

Conclusion

• The study found that while horse owners show concern for the health and welfare of their aged horses, there is a lack of proper recognition of disease symptoms.
• There’s a suggested need for improved communication between veterinarians and horse owners. This could result in better recognition of disease symptoms and improved healthcare outcomes for aged horses.