Colic surgery in 206 juvenile thoroughbreds: survival and racing results.

This research investigates the causes of colic in juvenile Thoroughbreds, its aftereffects, and the impact on the horses’ racing career. The findings suggest that age, type of lesion causing colic, and precedence of surgery influence the horse’s ability to race and perform athletically.

Research Context

• The study was conducted to understand the types of lesions causing colic in juvenile Thoroughbreds and the influence of these lesions on the horses’ survival and performance.
• Colic results in severe abdominal pain, and is a significant problem in horses that often requires urgent surgical treatment.
• The context is significant as colic, and related surgeries can impact the athletic prowess of horses, which is crucial in competitive racing.

Key Findings

• The type of lesion causing colic is determined by the age of the horse. Similarly, the age at the first surgery has an influence on the occurrence of adhesions.
• The survival rate after colic surgery for foals (young horses) was found to be 85% and was significantly affected by the type of lesion involved.
• Moreover, post-operative complications were noted, with 13% of the juveniles requiring additional surgery or euthanasia after recovering from the first surgery due to the recurrence of severe colic. Additionally, 8% foals developed adhesions after the first celiotomy (an incision into the abdominal cavity).
• Younger horses being suckled were at a higher risk for adhesions and more often required multiple surgeries.

Impact on Racing Performance

• It was found that juvenile Thoroughbreds that underwent a celiotomy were significantly less likely (63%) to race than their unaffected counterparts (82%). The age at the initial surgery was also associated with the percentage of horses that raced.
• However, the research also found that the affected foals that were able to race earned as much money, raced as often, and made as many starts as their siblings.
• In conclusion, while the incidence of colic and related surgeries can negatively affect the performance of the horses, the majority of them discharged from the hospital after colic surgery were able to perform athletically in adulthood.