Clinical and pathological examination of mycotoxicosis as an associated risk factor for colic in equine.

This study reveals that horses suffering from the disease ‘mycotoxicosis’ are at an increased risk of developing abdominal pain (colic). The common cause of mycotoxicosis in horses is the consumption of feed contaminated with harmful mycotoxins, leading to high incidences of colic and subsequently fatalities among horses.

Study Methodology

• The research was a retrospective cohort study conducted on two Egyptian horse farms where many horses were suffering from abdominal pain.
• The owner of the farms noted an unusual increase in the number of cases of colic and horse deaths.
• Researchers compared the association between colic and risk factors like sex of the horse, type of feed (dry or mixed with roughages) and hematobiochemical parameters using a statistical method known as independent sample T-test.
• The potential indicators which could predict the occurrence of colic caused by mycotoxicosis were determined using a logistic regression analysis model.

Findings of the Study

• Out of 132 horses studied, 24 suffered from colic due to being fed a ration containing a high percentage of mycotoxins including Aflatoxins, Ochratoxins and Fusarium mycotoxins.
• The cumulative incidence of colic due to mycotoxicosis was estimated at 19.7%.
• The horses given dry rations were at greater risk of developing colic compared to those fed mixed rations.
• The overall incidence rate of colic due to mycotoxicosis was projected at 18 colic attacks per 1000 horses each month.
• The mortality rate of horses suffering from colic due to mycotoxicosis was calculated at 5.9% (5 out of 85 horses).
• The case fatality rate was estimated at 25% (5 out of 20 cases).

Conclusion

• The researchers concluded that mycotoxicosis is a significant risk factor for the development of colic cases in equine veterinary practice.