Causes of gastrointestinal colic at an equine referral hospital in South Africa (1998-2007).

This research article investigates the most prevalent causes of gastrointestinal colic in horses at an equine hospital in South Africa over a decade. Through the analysis of medical records, it provides detailed findings on the percentages of various causes and treatments of this condition, in addition to the overall effectiveness of medical and surgical interventions.

Study Overview

• The study analyzed data from a 10-year period (1998-2007) at an equine referral hospital in South Africa.
• A total of 935 horses were included in the study. Many were admitted after regular operating hours.
• The majority of horses were Thoroughbreds, male, around 8.2 years of age, and came from the Gauteng Province.

Data Collection

• Upon admission, several parameters were commonly recorded: the horse’s heart rate, mucous membrane color, and findings from abdominal auscultation.
• Some horses also had laboratory assessments such as packed cell volume, total serum protein, and white cell count.
• The most common procedures performed on the horses included transrectal palpation, nasogastric intubation, intravenous catheterization, and abdominocentesis.

Findings

• Medical intervention was performed in 60% of the cases. The most common causes of medical colic were impactions, tympany, and displacement of the large colon.
• An exploratory laparotomy was performed in 36% of the cases. The most common causes of surgical colic were also displacement and impaction, in addition to small intestinal strangulating lesions.
• Death and euthanasia before medical intervention were rare, occurring in 3% and 4% of horses respectively.

Effectiveness of interventions

• Medical intervention was successful in 93% of horses and surgical management was effective in 67% of horses.
• The study concludes that 55% of all the equine admissions responded to medical intervention. The recuperation rate for horses receiving both medical and surgical intervention was found to be comparable with other studies.

In essence, this selected study provides insight into the common causes of colic in horses in South Africa, the typical diagnostic procedures, and the effectiveness of the different treatment protocols employed.