After-hours equine emergency admissions at a university referral hospital (1998-2007): causes and interventions.

The research article reviews medical records of horses admitted to a university referral hospital after working hours, from 1998 to 2007, detailing the cause of admission, the treatments administered, and resulting outcomes.

Overview of Study

The study reflects a thorough analysis of after-hours emergency admissions of horses at a university referral hospital. The data was extracted from medical records maintained between 1998 and 2007. The study aims to identify the common causes of emergency admissions, the treatments administered before and after admission, final diagnoses, any in-hospital complications, and the eventual outcome including survival rate.

Sample Data

• A total of 820 records were reviewed where 75% of the admissions were labeled as emergencies.
• Majority of the horses were from Gauteng province, including Thoroughbred, Arabian, and Warmblood breeds.
• The study also considered the age and gender of the horses. The median age was 7 years and a large portion (60%) were males.

Reasons for Admission and Pre-Admission Treatments

• The most common reasons for admission were gastrointestinal disorders (64%) and musculoskeletal disorders (19%).
• Before being referred, many horses were treated with anti-inflammatories (51%), sedatives (20%), and antibiotics (15%).

Procedures Performed and Diagnoses

• Upon admission, about 23% of the horses had to undergo surgical intervention. The frequently performed procedures included intravenous catheterisation, rectal examination, nasogastric intubation, abdominocentesis, and ultrasonography.
• The diagnoses consisted mainly of surgical and medical colics, accounting for 28% and 27% respectively. Piroplasmosis was diagnosed in 5% of horses.

Post Admission Events and Outcome

• Post-admission complications occurred in less than 2% of the horses.
• The median stay at the hospital was 4 days, with the confidence interval at 1 to 21 days.
• The overall survival rate to discharge was 74%.

Finally, the study affirms that the majority of after-hours equine admissions at the university referral hospital required medical intervention, specifically due to gastrointestinal disorders. The results obtained could assist in emergency referral planning in similar settings.