Clinical findings, diagnoses, and outcomes of horses presented for colic to a referral hospital in Atlantic Canada (2000-2015).
Abstract: Medical records of equine patients presented for signs of abdominal pain to the Atlantic Veterinary College Teaching Hospital between 2000 and 2015 were reviewed. A total of 575 patients were enrolled, and the most common clinical findings, diagnoses, and outcomes are described. Potential predictors of survival to discharge were assessed. The most common diagnosis was large colon impaction (18.4%), followed by large colon volvulus (6.2%). Overall survival to discharge was 69%. The survival rates for horses were 82.9% for those with no diagnosis, 74.6% for those with large intestine lesions, and 38.5% for those with small intestine lesions. Significant predictors for non-survival were increasing age, increasing duration of colic signs, severity of colic, and a lesion in the small intestine. These data are important for veterinarians in the region who are treating cases of equine colic and advising clients. Trouvailles cliniques, diagnostics et issues de chevaux présentés pour colique à un centre de référence dans les provinces atlantiques canadiennes (2000–2015). Les dossiers médicaux de patients équins présentés pour des signes de douleur abdominale à l’hôpital d’enseignement vétérinaire du Atlantic Veterinary College entre 2000 et 2015 ont été revus. Un total de 575 patients furent recrutés, et les trouvailles cliniques, diagnostics et issues les plus fréquents sont décrits. Les prédicteurs potentiels de survie jusqu’au congé sont évalués. Le diagnostic le plus fréquent était l’impaction du côlon (18,4 %), suivi du volvulus du côlon (6,2 %). La survie globale jusqu’au congé était de 69 %. Les taux de survie pour les chevaux étaient de 82,9 % pour ceux sans diagnostic, 74,6 % pour ceux avec des lésions au gros intestin et de 38,5 % pour ceux avec des lésions au petit intestin. Les prédicteurs significatifs pour la non-survie étaient une augmentation de l’âge, une augmentation de la durée des signes cliniques, la sévérité des coliques et une lésion au petit intestin. Ces données sont importantes pour les vétérinaires en région qui traitent les cas de cliques équines et conseillent les clients.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).
Copyright and/or publishing rights held by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.
Publication Date: 2020-03-14 PubMed ID: 32165752PubMed Central: PMC7020639
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This research article reviews medical records of 575 horses suffering from abdominal pain, commonly known as colic, presented at the Atlantic Veterinary College Teaching Hospital between 2000 and 2015. It identifies common symptoms, diagnoses, and survival rates, while also assessing factors that potentially predict successful discharge, in this region of Atlantic Canada.
Study Participants and Method
- The study involved a review of the medical records of 575 equine patients that were presented with signs of abdominal pain at the Atlantic Veterinary College Teaching Hospital over a 15-year period (2000-2015).
- Variables such as age, duration of colic symptoms, severity of the condition, presence of intestinal lesions, and diagnosis were taken into consideration.
- The study aimed to describe the most common clinical findings, diagnoses, outcomes, and potential predictors of survival to discharge in horses presenting with colic in Atlantic Canada.
Key Findings
- The most frequently observed diagnosis was large colon impaction (18.4%), followed by large colon volvulus (6.2%).
- The overall survival rate to discharge was found to be 69% with horses showing no diagnosis having the highest survival rate of 82.9%.
- Horses associated with large intestine lesions had a survival rate of 74.6%, while those with small intestine lesions had a significantly lower survival rate of 38.5%.
Significant Predictors of Survival
- The research revealed several significant predictors for non-survival: increased age, greater duration of colic symptoms, severity of the condition, and presence of a lesion in the small intestine.
- The study’s findings indicate that these factors can influence survival rates and are crucial in treating cases of equine colic and advising clients in veterinary practice.
Impact and Relevance of the Study
- The data gathered in this study is significant to veterinarians, particularly those operating in the Atlantic Canada region, as it provides detailed insights into the major clinical findings, diagnoses, and outcomes in horses presenting with colic.
- These findings could be used to better manage and treat equine patients suffering from colic, potentially improving survival rates for affected horses.
Cite This Article
APA
Kaufman JM, Nekouei O, Doyle AJ, Biermann NM.
(2020).
Clinical findings, diagnoses, and outcomes of horses presented for colic to a referral hospital in Atlantic Canada (2000-2015).
Can Vet J, 61(3), 281-288.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.
- Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.
- Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.
- Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Canada
- Colic / veterinary
- Horse Diseases
- Horses
- Referral and Consultation
- Retrospective Studies
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