Colic in geriatric compared to mature nongeriatric horses. Part 2: Treatment, diagnosis and short-term survival.

This research aims to analyse the differences in treatment options, diagnosis, and short-term survival rates between geriatric and mature horses diagnosed with colic. The findings show that, overall, geriatric horses have lower survival rates, especially those medically managed or of certain age subsets. However, the survival of geriatric horses in surgery does not differ significantly from that of mature horses unless they are dealing with large colon simple obstruction.

Methodology

• The researchers reviewed the medical records of horses admitted with complaints of colic between 2000 and 2006.
• The horses were divided into two categories: geriatric horses (those aged 16 years and above, further subcategorized as those aged 20 years and above) and mature nongeriatric horses (aged 4-15 years).
• Crucial information gathered from these records included whether the horses were medically or surgically managed, the location and type of lesion, surgical procedures performed, and short-term survival rates.
• The data was then analysed using two statistical tests: a Chi-squared test and an analysis of variance, with a level of significance set at P<0.05.

Results

• The recorded data showed an overall lower survival rate for geriatric horses in comparison to mature horses (59% vs. 76%, respectively).
• Survival of medically managed geriatric horses was lower than mature horses (58% vs. 80%, respectively).
• However, the survival of surgically managed geriatric horses was similar to that of mature horses (59% vs. 70%, respectively), except for horses aged 20 years and above (53%).
• There were no significant differences in survival between geriatric and mature horses with small or large intestinal strangulating lesions or those undergoing jejunojejunostomy.
• In comparison to mature horses, geriatric horses with a simple large colon obstruction had a lower survival rate (80% vs. 97%, respectively).

Conclusion

• The research concludes that geriatric horses presenting with colic were more likely to be subjected to euthanasia without surgery, hence showing lower survival rates with just medical treatment.
• The survival of geriatric horses with strangulating lesions or requiring jejunojejunostomy was not significantly different to that of mature horses.
• However, geriatric horses undergoing surgery for a simple large colon obstruction showed lower survival rates than mature horses.