Identification of predictors of Salmonella shedding in adult horses presented for acute colic.

The research investigated factors linked to Salmonella shedding in horses experiencing acute colic. It found that certain horse breeds, those requiring surgery, or those with severe gastrointestinal disease had higher likelihoods for shedding Salmonella. Other potential indicators included development of fever, abnormal leukocyte count, and appetite loss with lethargy.

Objectives and Methods

• The study aimed to identify correlations between a horse’s clinical signs, history, race, and other clinicopathologic data gathered during early hospitalization and the likelihood of Salmonella shedding in horses treated for acute colic.
• The study was a retrospective case-control study. It reviewed treatments and Salmonella culture data from 59 horses shedding Salmonella compared to 108 that were Salmonella-negative.
• Logistic regression was used to find relationships between variables and Salmonella shedding. The researchers built two models. The first model revolved around information gathered within 24 hours of admission, while the second was built around clinical findings that were observed later during the hospitalization period.

Results

• The first model indicated that Warmblood and Arabian breeds have increased chances of shedding Salmonella. The same applies to horses that require surgery or have a serious gastrointestinal disease.
• The second model revealed that horses that were operated on, developed a high fever (>103°F), had an abnormal white (leukocyte) cell count, or became lethargic and lost their appetite also had increased odds for shedding Salmonella.

Conclusions

• The study concluded that in horses with acute colic who initially don’t show signs of diarrhea, fever, or a reduction in white blood cell count, looking for additional signs associated with Salmonella shedding can lead to prompt detection of horses likely to shed the bacteria.
• This early detection can help prevent environmental contamination and facilitate immediate and more effective treatments, ultimately improving the health management of horses and potentially reducing transmission to other animals and humans.