Demographic and clinical characteristics of geriatric horses: 467 cases (1989-1999).

The research article discusses a retrospective study of medical records of horses that were 20 years of age or older which were evaluated at a university large animal hospital from 1989 to 1999. The study aimed to assess the demographic and clinical characteristics of these geriatric horses.

Study Design and Methodology

• The study reviewed medical records of 539 horses that were 20 years of age or older evaluated at a university-based large animal hospital between 1989 and 1999.
• Of these, 467 horses met the study criteria and were included in the analysis.
• Data collected from these records included signalment (species, breed, age, sex, and color), reason for evaluation, specific diagnoses, any surgical procedures undertaken, if the care provided was inpatient or outpatient, the duration of hospitalization, and the outcome.

Key Findings

• The proportion of geriatric horses (≥20 years of age) evaluated increased from 2.2% in 1989 to 12.5% in 1999.
• Pony breeds were found to be significantly overrepresented in the ≥30 years of age group.
• The most commonly reported problems were those related to the gastrointestinal tract, musculoskeletal system, and respiratory tract.
• Colic was the most common clinical sign, followed by lameness.
• The most frequently made diagnoses included pituitary dysfunction, strangulating lipoma of the small intestine, laminitis, heaves, large colon impaction, and gastric ulcers.
• Pituitary dysfunction was observed to be significantly more prevalent in horses that were over 30 years of age, and laminitis was found to be significantly associated with the presence of pituitary dysfunction.

Conclusion

• The study faced difficulties in assessing the association of age with illnesses due to the lack of comprehensive demographic data and information regarding common diseases in horses over 20 years of age.
• The study underscores the need for more focused and comprehensive studies, given the increasing importance of geriatric care in horses as this population continues to grow.