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Frontiers in veterinary science2019; 6; 367; doi: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00367

Factors Associated With Survival and Return to Function Following Synovial Infections in Horses.

Abstract: Synovial infections (SI) are common in horses of all ages and can be associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Identifying factors influencing survival and return to function may be useful for management of affected individuals and determination of prognosis. The objectives of this study were to identify factors associated with survival and return to function of horses and foals with SI presented to an equine hospital. This study is a retrospective case series. Data were collected from medical records of all horses with SI that were presented to a single equine hospital between April 1st, 2008 and May 1st, 2017. Long-term follow up was obtained by a semi-structured telephone questionnaire of clinical outcomes and analysis of online race records. Univariate models were created using generalized linear and linear mixed models to assess factors associated with outcomes. Multivariable models were created using generalized linear and linear mixed models to determine factors significantly associated with outcomes. Of 186 horses presented with SI, 161/186 (86.6%) were treated and 145/161 (90.1%) survived to discharge. The majority of joints were treated with synovial lavage (93.8%). One hundred and twenty horses were included in the return to function analysis and 79 (65%) returned to function. Increasing number of days of treatment with systemic antimicrobials was associated with increased likelihood of survival for each horse (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.04-1.27, P = 0.025) and when considering each individual synovial structure (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.04-1.17, P = 0.004). Horses treated with doxycycline were less likely to return to function (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.19-0.8, P = 0.031). The overall rate of survival of horses treated with SI is good. The likelihood of return to function is lower than for survival. The findings of this study, combined with relevant antimicrobial stewardship practices, can be used as a part of evidence-based decision-making when veterinarians are treating horses with SI.
Copyright © 2019 Crosby, Labens, Hughes, Nielsen and Hilbert.
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Publication Date: 2019-10-22 PubMed ID: 31696123PubMed Central: PMC6817570DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00367Google Scholar: Lookup
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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.

The research focused on identifying factors linked to survival and recovery in horses diagnosed with Synovial Infections (SI), using data collected from a single horse hospital over a nine year period. Resulting findings suggested an association between duration of antimicrobial treatment and increased survival, while treatment with doxycycline indicated a lesser likelihood of functionality return.

Objective of the Study

  • The main aim of the study was to identify factors influencing the survival rate and return to functional status in horses with Synovial Infections (SI), a common condition that can lead to high morbidity and mortality rates among horses.

Methodology

  • The researchers used a retrospective case series design.
  • Data for this study were retrieved from the medical records of horses presented at a particular equine hospital from April 2008 to May 2017.
  • They obtained long-term follow-up details through a semi-structured telephone questionnaire and analysis of online race records.
  • To ascertain factors associated with the outcomes i.e., survival and return to function, the researchers applied univariate and multivariable models using generalized linear and linear mixed models.

Results

  • Of the 186 horses that presented with SI, 86.6% were treated, and 90.1% of the treated horses survived to discharge. The most used treatment was synovial lavage, used in 93.8% of cases.
  • The return to function analysis included 120 horses from the treated pool, of which 65% returned to function.
  • The study found that the likelihood of a horse’s survival increased with an increase in the number of days of treatment with systemic antimicrobials (antibiotics).
  • In contrast, horses that were treated with a specific antibiotic, doxycycline, were less likely to return to full functionality.

Conclusion

  • The overall survival rate of horses treated for SI is good while the percentage of horses returning to function is lower.
  • The research suggests that longer durations of systemic antimicrobial treatment could improve survival, but the use of doxycycline might reduce the chances of a horse returning to functionality.
  • These findings may be beneficial for veterinarians in making evidence-based decisions when treating SI in horses, considering proper antimicrobial stewardship practices.

Cite This Article

APA
Crosby DE, Labens R, Hughes KJ, Nielsen S, Hilbert BJ. (2019). Factors Associated With Survival and Return to Function Following Synovial Infections in Horses. Front Vet Sci, 6, 367. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2019.00367

Publication

Frontiers in veterinary science
ISSN: 2297-1769
NlmUniqueID: 101666658
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 6
Pages: 367

Researcher Affiliations

Crosby, Danielle E
  • School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia.
Labens, Raphael
  • School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia.
Hughes, Kristopher J
  • School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia.
Nielsen, Sharon
  • Sharon Nielsen Statistical Consulting and Training, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia.
Hilbert, Bryan J
  • School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia.

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Citations

This article has been cited 6 times.
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