Colic in the horse. A clinical and clinical chemical study of 42 cases.

This study explores clinical signs of colic in horses, a common gastrointestinal disorder, and their correlation to circulatory insufficiency by examining 42 cases. The researchers found that physical signs like pulse rate, skin temperature, and others have significant prognostic value, and despite therapy, all horses in serious shock died.

Study Methodology

• The researchers adopted a two-phased examination procedure to observe physical signs related to circulatory insufficiency and abdominal disease in 42 horses exhibiting colic.
• Several factors were considered including pulse rate, jugular vein filling, skin temperature, mucous membrane color, capillary refill time, sweating, depression, skin turgor, and the degree of enophthalmus.
• Additionally, the abdomen was inspected for shape, tenderness, peristaltic sounds, gastric dilation, abnormal rectal findings, and macroscopic changes in peritoneal fluid.
• Severe cases of colic were further examined by taking blood and peritoneal fluid samples for detailed laboratory testing, which included checking packed cell volume, hemoglobin, red and white blood cell counts, blood gases, lactate, different proteins, common electrolytes, glucose, and several blood metabolites.

Findings

• The findings largely echoed the physical symptoms of shock in horses, with significant indications from packed cell volume and blood lactate levels.
• Diagnostic difficulties were often encountered in cases of intestinal atonia, acute enteritis, and colon torsion.
• The researchers concluded that macroscopic examination alone often provides sufficient insight into a horse’s condition, though laboratory tests can add extra layers of detail.

Implications

• The study confirms the severity of shock in horses with colic. Monitoring physical signs like pulse rate and skin temperature, among others, gives a strong indication of the horse’s prognosis.
• Despite the potential for additional insight from laboratory tests, these are usually reserved for severe cases given that macroscopic evaluations are typically sufficient.
• Last, despite active therapy efforts, all colic cases that entered severe shock eventually ended in fatalities, highlighting the severity of the condition and perhaps indicating a need for more effective therapeutic strategies.