A survey of post mortem findings in 480 horses 1958 to 1980: (2) disease processes not directly related to the cause of death.

The research relates to an autopsy conducted on 480 horses over a 22-year period at the University of Liverpool’s Veterinary Field Station. The study focuses on examining disease processes not directly linked to the cause of death, with findings suggesting the most frequently diseased systems were alimentary, cardiovascular, respiratory, and locomotor.

Research Overview

This research study presents the findings from an examination of 480 horses that died between February 1958 and February 1980. The autopsies were performed at the Department of Pathology, Veterinary Field Station, University of Liverpool. This study significantly contributes to the veterinary pathology literature by investigating disease processes unrelated to the immediate cause of death in horses.

• The primary focus was to look at disease processes that, although present, were not the direct causes of the horses’ deaths.
• The research took a systematic approach, examining the alimentary, cardiovascular, respiratory, and locomotor systems in each horse.
• Being a span over two decades, the findings provide a unique longitudinal perspective into the health status and common diseases present in horses that were not directly responsible for their death.

Disease Findings

Accumulated from each autopsy, the data shed light on common disease processes in horses that were present but did not contribute directly to the cause of death.

• Top diseases identified were largely associated with endoparasitism and its related vascular lesions, pneumonia, and fractures.
• The alimentary, or digestive, system was identified as one of the most frequently diseased systems. However, conditions affecting this system were not the direct causes of death in these horses.
• Significant disease processes were also found in the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Despite these findings, such conditions were again not the primary reasons for the horses’ passing.
• The same goes for diseases of the locomotor system, which covers all the components necessary for movement. While prevalent, these diseases were not the leading cause of death in these cases.

Implications of Findings

Although the disease processes identified were not the primary causes of death, the findings highlight the importance of thorough post-mortem examinations, which can further inform understanding of equine health and disease.

• Such studies serve to improve the overall understanding of equine health, pointing out common diseases that may often be overlooked.
• Detailed findings from this research could help guide future equine healthcare management by identifying prevalent but potentially under-recognized conditions.
• Long-term, more accurate disease detection can aid in better preventative measures, treatments, and ultimately improve the quality of life for horses.