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Equine veterinary journal1992; 24(2); 90-93; doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1992.tb02789.x

A two year, prospective survey of equine colic in general practice.

Abstract: The records of 200 colic episodes, collected prospectively, over a two year period, from first opinion cases, were analysed and compared with a control sample selected at random from the same population. Analysis by colic type revealed 72% spasmodic/undiagnosed; 7% surgical; 5.5% flatulent; 5% pelvic flexure impactions; 9.5% other implications and 1% colitis. A possible predisposing cause was identified in 43% of the spasmodic/undiagnosed cases. The total incidence of colic in each age group showed no statistically significant differences from the control population. Stallions were significantly under represented in the colic population. When compared with the control sample the number of spasmodic/undiagnosed colic cases in the 5-10-year-old group and the number of surgical colics in the over 15-year-old group were significantly greater than expected. No statistically significant correlation was found when the seasonal incidence of colic was compared with monthly temperature, change in monthly temperature, monthly rainfall, and rainfall weighted for temperature.
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Publication Date: 1992-03-01 PubMed ID: 1582399DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1992.tb02789.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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  • 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 study presents an analysis of 200 instances of equine colic, incorporating general practice data collected over a two-year period. The research aims to uncover relationships between variables such as colic type, age, gender, and environmental conditions.

Methodology and Data Collection

  • This study conducted a prospective survey for two years, collecting data on horse colic incidents from a first opinion cases sample.
  • A total of 200 cases were recorded and compared to a randomly selected control group.

Colic Type Analysis

  • The study organized the colic cases into various categories: 72% were classified as spasmodic or undiagnosed; 7% were surgical; 5.5% flatulent; 5% involved pelvic flexure impactions; 9.5% had other implications; and 1% consisted of colitis cases.
  • A potential predisposing factor could be identified in 43% of the spasmodic or undiagnosed colic cases.

Demographic Patterns of Colic Incidence

  • The study found that the overall incidence of colic per age group showed no significant difference from the control population.
  • Stallions were noted to be significantly underrepresented in the colic population.
  • Noticeably, the 5-10-year-old age group presented a significantly larger number of spasmodic or undiagnosed colic cases compared to the control group.
  • Moreover, the over 15-year-old group had a significantly greater number of surgical colics than expected when compared to the control group.

Correlations with Environmental Factors

  • The study also investigated possible correlations between colic incidence and several environmental factors: monthly temperature, changes in monthly temperature, monthly rainfall, and rainfall adjusted for temperature.
  • Upon analysis, no significant correlation was found between the seasonal incidence of colic and these environmental factors.

Conclusion

  • This comprehensive study provided key insights into the types of colic witnessed in a general practice setting, as well as common demographic patterns associated with the condition.
  • However, the impact of seasonal changes and climatic conditions on equine colic incidence was not supported by significant data.
  • The lack of correlation provides strong implications for future research directions, suggesting other factors might influence the incidence of equine colic.

Cite This Article

APA
Proudman CJ. (1992). A two year, prospective survey of equine colic in general practice. Equine Vet J, 24(2), 90-93. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1992.tb02789.x

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 0425-1644
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 24
Issue: 2
Pages: 90-93

Researcher Affiliations

Proudman, C J
  • Wendover Heights Veterinary Centre, Halton, Bucks., UK.

MeSH Terms

  • Age Factors
  • Animals
  • Colic / epidemiology
  • Colic / etiology
  • Colic / veterinary
  • Female
  • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
  • Horse Diseases / etiology
  • Horses
  • Male
  • Prospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Seasons
  • Sex Factors
  • United Kingdom / epidemiology
  • Weather

Citations

This article has been cited 21 times.
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