Equine veterinary journal2007; 39(4); 301-308; doi: 10.2746/042516407x180129

A survey of horse owners in Great Britain regarding horses in their care. Part 2: Risk factors for recurrent airway obstruction.

Abstract: Recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) is a commonly encountered respiratory condition of horses. Despite this, the epidemiology of this predominately manageable and reversible disease in Great Britain has been largely ignored. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of RAO in the general horse population of Great Britain and to investigate possible risk factors for RAO associated with management or early life. Methods: Horse owners were surveyed using a self-administered postal questionnaire that contained a risk-screening questionnaire (RSQ) designed to identify horses with RAO. These owners were randomly selected, following geographical stratification, using 2-stage cluster sampling of veterinary practices and their clients. Multilevel, multivariable logistic regression models were used to investigate risk factors for RAO in the selected horse population. Results: The estimated true prevalence of RAO in the selected horse population was 14.0% (95%CI 10.7-17.4%). Risk factors for RAO identified in a general horse management logistic regression model included increasing age and exposure to an urbanised environment. Recurrent airway obstruction has long been associated with mature horses while the association with an urbanised environment could be related to different management practices in these areas or possibly air pollution could be involved. The second model associated exposure to hay and respiratory infection in early life with a horse having RAO in later life. Challenges to the respiratory system in early life may be involved in the development of this disease. Conclusions: Recurrent airway obstruction is a significant health problem in the horse population of Great Britain. This form of epidemiological investigation highlights potential risk factors for the disease.
Publication Date: 2007-08-29 PubMed ID: 17722720DOI: 10.2746/042516407x180129Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

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This research article investigates the prevalence of Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO) in horses, a common respiratory condition, in Great Britain and examines potential risk factors associated with the disease. The study determined that 14.0% of horses in their sample population suffered from RAO, with risk factors including aging and exposure to urban environments or hay, and respiratory infections early in life.

Research Methodology

  • The researchers conducted a survey of horse owners in Great Britain via a self-administered postal questionnaire. The questionnaire was designed to pinpoint horses with Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO).
  • Veterinary practices and their clients were randomly selected to participate in the survey following geographical stratification in a two-stage cluster sampling.
  • To investigate potential risk factors for RAO, they used multilevel, multivariable logistic regression models on the collated data from the questionnaires.

Key Findings

  • Based on the survey, the estimated true prevalence of RAO in the selected horse population was 14.0%.
  • The study found that the risk factors for RAO in general horse management include increasing age and exposure to an urbanised environment. Exposure to an urbanised environment could be linked to either different management practices in these areas, or it could suggest the possibility that air pollution may play a role in developing the disease.
  • Another risk factor for RAO identified by the research is the exposure of a horse to hay and respiratory infections early in life. The findings suggest that challenges to the respiratory system early in life could be implicated in the development of the disease later on.

Conclusion

  • The research concludes that Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO) is a significant health issue for the horse population in Great Britain, as it impacts a sizeable portion of the horse population.
  • The study offers insights into the risk factors of the disease, which can be used to improve our understanding of, and response to, this health issue in the horse population.

Cite This Article

APA
Hotchkiss JW, Reid SW, Christley RM. (2007). A survey of horse owners in Great Britain regarding horses in their care. Part 2: Risk factors for recurrent airway obstruction. Equine Vet J, 39(4), 301-308. https://doi.org/10.2746/042516407x180129

Publication

ISSN: 0425-1644
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 39
Issue: 4
Pages: 301-308

Researcher Affiliations

Hotchkiss, J W
  • Division of Companion Animals, Institute of Comparative Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK.
Reid, S W J
    Christley, R M

      MeSH Terms

      • Age Factors
      • Air Pollutants / adverse effects
      • Animal Husbandry / methods
      • Animals
      • Cluster Analysis
      • Female
      • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
      • Horses
      • Logistic Models
      • Lung Diseases, Obstructive / epidemiology
      • Lung Diseases, Obstructive / veterinary
      • Male
      • Multivariate Analysis
      • Prevalence
      • Recurrence
      • Respiratory Tract Infections / complications
      • Respiratory Tract Infections / epidemiology
      • Respiratory Tract Infections / veterinary
      • Risk Factors
      • Seasons
      • Surveys and Questionnaires
      • United Kingdom / epidemiology

      Citations

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