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Home / Equine Research Bank / Equine Vet J / Disease prevalence in geriatric horses in the United Kingdom...
Equine veterinary journal2011; 44(1); 101-106; doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00361.x

Disease prevalence in geriatric horses in the United Kingdom: veterinary clinical assessment of 200 cases.

Abstract: Geriatric horses (aged ≥ 15 years) represent a substantial proportion of the equine population, yet few studies have investigated the prevalence of diseases within this population in the UK. Objective: To describe the findings of veterinary clinical examination of 200 geriatric horses and ponies in north west England and north Wales, and to assess the effect of animal age and type (horse or pony) on the presence or absence of clinical signs and veterinary diagnosed health problems. Methods: From responses to a cross-sectional postal questionnaire survey of owners of geriatric horses (n = 918/1144), 200 horses were randomly selected to receive a veterinary clinical examination covering the major body systems. Results: Twenty-six percent of animals were overweight (body condition score, BCS, >3/5) and 4.5% were underweight (BCS <2/5). Seventy-one percent had a dermatological abnormality and 22% displayed hirsutism or abnormal moulting. Ophthalmic lesions frequently identified included vitreous degeneration (66.0%), cataracts (58.5%) and senile retinopathy (33.7%). The prevalence of cardiac murmurs was 20%. Whilst only 7.5% of animals had a spontaneous cough during the examination, 18.5% had some form of nasal discharge and 22% had abnormalities on thoracic auscultation at rest. Following rebreathing, 13.6% developed marked abnormalities consistent with lower airway disease. When assessed at walk, 18.6% were lame on at least one limb, while 50.5% were lame in trot. The majority of animals (83.5%) had a reduction in range of motion in at least one joint. Eighty percent of animals had hoof abnormalities. Dental abnormalities were identified in 95.4% of animals, with cheek teeth diastemata, excessive wear/cupped out teeth and focal overgrowths the most frequently identified conditions. Conclusions: This study has identified many prevalent clinical signs of disease in geriatric horses. Description of the most prevalent health problems and further identification of risk factors for these conditions will aid in targeted improvements in veterinary care, owner education and welfare.
© 2011 EVJ Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2011-06-13 PubMed ID: 21668494DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00361.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
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  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research article investigates the prevalence of diseases in geriatric horses aged 15 years or older in the United Kingdom. The study found that many ageing horses suffer from clinical signs of disease, including dermatological abnormalities, ophthalmic lesions, cardiac murmurs and dental anomalies.

Research Methodology

  • The researchers initiated the study by sending out a cross-sectional postal questionnaire to horse owners. The response rate was approximately 80%, with 918 responses out of 1144 letters sent.
  • Out of those who responded, 200 horses were randomly selected for a detailed veterinary clinical examination.
  • The examinations covered the major body systems and looked for any signs of abnormalities or potential diseases.

Key Findings

  • The study concluded that a significant proportion of geriatric horses were overweight (26%) or underweight (4.5%).
  • Many displayed dermatological abnormalities (71%) and abnormal moulting or hirsutism (22%).
  • Ophthalmic lesions were frequently identified, such as vitreous degeneration (66.0%), cataracts (58.5%), and senile retinopathy (33.7%).
  • Cardiac murmurs were present in 20% of the horses examined.
  • While only a relatively small percentage had a spontaneous cough (7.5%), a significant number displayed nasal discharge (18.5%) and abnormalities in thoracic auscultation at rest (22%).
  • The study also found a high prevalence of lameness in at least one limb and reduced range of motion in at least one joint.
  • Dental abnormalities were highly prevalent (95.4%) with cheek teeth diastemata, excessive wear/cupped out teeth and focal overgrowths identified as the most common conditions.
  • About 80% of the animals had hoof abnormalities.

Conclusions

  • The study concluded that geriatric horses in the UK face a number of prevalent health problems.
  • The findings highlight the need for improved veterinary care, owner education in relation to horse aging and disease, and enhanced welfare practices for geriatric horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Ireland JL, Clegg PD, McGowan CM, McKane SA, Chandler KJ, Pinchbeck GL. (2011). Disease prevalence in geriatric horses in the United Kingdom: veterinary clinical assessment of 200 cases. Equine Vet J, 44(1), 101-106. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00361.x

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 44
Issue: 1
Pages: 101-106

Researcher Affiliations

Ireland, J L
  • Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Liverpool, UK. jo.ireland@aht.org.uk
Clegg, P D
    McGowan, C M
      McKane, S A
        Chandler, K J
          Pinchbeck, G L

            MeSH Terms

            • Aging
            • Animals
            • Body Weight
            • Cross-Sectional Studies
            • Data Collection
            • Eye Diseases / epidemiology
            • Eye Diseases / veterinary
            • Heart Diseases / epidemiology
            • Heart Diseases / veterinary
            • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
            • Horses
            • Respiratory Tract Diseases / epidemiology
            • Respiratory Tract Diseases / veterinary
            • Skin Diseases / epidemiology
            • Skin Diseases / veterinary
            • Surveys and Questionnaires
            • United Kingdom / epidemiology
            • Veterinarians

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