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Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association2001; 219(1); 67-71; doi: 10.2460/javma.2001.219.67

Estimate of the national incidence of and operation-level risk factors for colic among horses in the United States, spring 1998 to spring 1999.

Abstract: To estimate the national incidence of, operation-level risk factors for, and annual economic impact of colic among horses in the United States during 1998 and 1999. Methods: Epidemiologic survey. Methods: 21,820 horses on 1,026 horse operations in 28 states. Methods: Horses were monitored for colic for 1 year, and results were recorded in a log that was collected quarterly. Operation-level data were collected via 4 on-site personal interviews. Associations between colic and independent variables adjusted for size of operation were determined. Results: Annual national incidence of colic in the US horse population was estimated to be 4.2 colic events/100 horses per year. Case fatality rate was 11%, and 1.4% of colic events resulted in surgery. Annual cost of colic in the United States was estimated to be $115,300,000. Conclusions: The national impact of equine colic is substantial because of the high case fatality rate.
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Publication Date: 2001-07-07 PubMed ID: 11439773DOI: 10.2460/javma.2001.219.67Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

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This research article focuses on estimating the national incidence of, operation-level risk factors, and fiscal implications of colic in horses throughout the United States during 1998 and 1999. The study reveals that the annual incidence of colic in the US horse population was 4.2 cases per 100 horses, with an 11% fatality rate. The financial burden was estimated to be $115,300,000 per year.

Research Methodology

  • The research employed an epidemiologic survey method to gather data.
  • The scope of the research involved monitoring 21,820 horses across 1,026 horse operations in 28 states over a period of one year.
  • Every instance of colic was logged and the records were collected every three months.
  • Operation-level data was gathered through four personal, on-site interviews.
  • The study considered various independent variables and made adjustments for the size of horse operations to establish links between colic and these variables.

Research Findings

  • The researchers found that the annual national incidence of colic in the United States horse population was estimated to be 4.2 colic events per 100 horses annually.
  • The case fatality rate due to colic was approximately 11% while 1.4% of these colic events resulted in surgeries being performed.
  • The annual financial impact of colic on the equine industry in the United States was estimated to be around $115,300,000.

Conclusion

  • Based on their findings, the researchers concluded that colic has a significant effect on the national equine population due to the high case fatality rate.
  • The immense fiscal implications further underscore the severity of colic in horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Traub-Dargatz JL, Kopral CA, Seitzinger AH, Garber LP, Forde K, White NA. (2001). Estimate of the national incidence of and operation-level risk factors for colic among horses in the United States, spring 1998 to spring 1999. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 219(1), 67-71. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.2001.219.67

Publication

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
ISSN: 0003-1488
NlmUniqueID: 7503067
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 219
Issue: 1
Pages: 67-71

Researcher Affiliations

Traub-Dargatz, J L
  • Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
Kopral, C A
    Seitzinger, A H
      Garber, L P
        Forde, K
          White, N A

            MeSH Terms

            • Animals
            • Colic / economics
            • Colic / epidemiology
            • Colic / mortality
            • Colic / veterinary
            • Epidemiologic Studies
            • Horse Diseases / economics
            • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
            • Horse Diseases / mortality
            • Horses
            • Incidence
            • Risk Factors
            • United States / epidemiology

            Citations

            This article has been cited 36 times.
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