Colic in equine neonates: 137 cases (2000-2010).

The research investigates the causes of colic in newborn horses and the effectiveness of both medical and surgical treatments. Short and long-term survival rates for treated horses were also evaluated.

Study Design and Methodology

• The study retrospectively examines 137 cases of colic in newborn horses, aged 30 days or less, admitted to a veterinary hospital between 2000 and 2010.
• Data including the horse’s details, history, physical examination results, laboratory data, diagnostic tests, treatment details, primary diagnosis, any additional diseases, and short-term survival rate were obtained from the medical records.
• Long-term follow-up information was obtained through a phone survey.

Key Findings

• Of the 137 neonates examined for colic signs, most (89%) were managed medically.
• The three most common diagnoses associated with colic were enterocolitis (accounting for 27% of cases), meconium-associated colic (20%), and transient medical colic (19%).
• The most common reason for surgical intervention was due to small intestinal strangulating obstruction.
• Horses that required surgery were more likely to experience intense, ongoing pain unresponsive to painkillers.
• Concurrent diseases were common in 64% of cases, but they did not significantly affect survival rates.

Survival Rates and Long-term Outcomes

• Short-term survival rates were similar for both medically (75%) and surgically (73%) managed neonates.
• Long-term survival rates for horses that survived to hospital discharge were excellent (93%).
• Most of the surviving neonates grew into adulthood and fulfilled their intended use, accounting for 83% of survivors.

Conclusions

• The majority of newborn horses exhibiting signs of colic can be effectively managed medically.
• Short-term survival rates for both medically and surgically treated newborns were favourable.
• Long-term survival rates for neonates that survived to be discharged from the hospital were very high, and most of these horses managed to reach maturity and serve their intended purpose.