Factors associated with survival in 148 recumbent horses.

The research examines the prognosis and survival rates of horses that are recumbent, i.e., lie down due to illness or other health concerns. A record analysis of 148 horses admitted to a veterinary teaching hospital in California over a 15-year period was conducted. It was found that factors including the duration of clinical signs prior to treatment, the ability of the horse to use a sling, etc., significantly influenced their survival rates.

Methods

• The study utilized a retrospective analysis of clinical records from the William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, between January 1995 and December 2010.
• This included the records of horses that were admitted to the hospital with a history of being recumbent or those that fell into recumbency while hospitalized.
• An advanced statistical method known as Exact logistic regression was employed to understand the associations between various clinical parameters (independent variable) and animal survival (dependent variable).

Results

• The dataset includes the results of 148 horses, out of which 109 were nonsurvivors and 39 were survivors.
• Multivariate analysis brought out several variables linked with an increased odds of death within the first three days of hospitalization.
• Notably, horses that showcased clinical signs for over 24 hours prior to hospital admission were found to have increased chances of dying.
• The presence of band neutrophils, an indicator of infection or severe inflammation, was also associated with an increased risk of death.
• Another adverse predictor was the inability of a horse to use a sling or to stand after treatment.
• However, there existed an inverse relation between the total cost incurred and a horse’s likelihood of death. For each additional $100 billed, the odds of death dropped by 4%, risking a misinterpretation that higher spending leads to greater survival.

Conclusions

• The duration of clinical signs, a horse’s response to treatment, and their ability to use a sling are closely associated with survival to hospital discharge.
• The study provides valuable insights into prognosis and critical care for recumbent horses, indicating new paths for targeted interventions and specific care protocols for this vulnerable population.