Colic in the British military working horse population: a retrospective analysis.

The research examines colic, a potentially dangerous condition, in the British military horse population. By analyzing data from a five-year period, the study sheds light on the prevalence and mortality rate of colic in this population, comparing it to the general horse population.

Overview of the Study

This study is a retrospective analysis examining the incidence and mortality rate of colic, a common and potentially life-threatening condition in horses. It focuses on the British military working horse population, a unique group of horses that are managed intensively and strictly.

• The study covers a five-year period from 2008 to 2012 and includes data from 717 horses.
• Over this period, 163 of these horses experienced 267 colic episodes and 13 horses died due to colic.
• The research further analyzes recurrent colic, noting it was experienced by 35% of the horses.

Findings of the Study

The study made several interesting findings relating to the incidence of colic and colic-related deaths, as well as insights into horses bought from mainland Europe and Ireland.

• The study found that the incidence of colic was 11.1 episodes per 100 horse-years and the incidence of colic-related death was 0.5 deaths per 100 horse-years.
• Horses bought from mainland Europe were found to be more likely to suffer from colic and recurrent colic than those purchased from Ireland.
• Only 3% of colic episodes required surgical intervention.

Conclusion of the Study

Based on the findings, the research concludes that the incidence and mortality rate of colic in the British military working horse population is similar to that in the general horse population. This indicates that despite the intensive and strict management, the health risks are quite similar to a broader horse population.