Influence of Salmonella status on the long-term outcome of horses after colic surgery.

This study scrutinizes the long-term consequences in horses post-colic surgery depending on their Salmonella enterica infection status, finding no significant difference in long-term complications, survival, and return to function between Salmonella-positive and Salmonella-negative horses that survive the surgery.

Research Methods

• The research utilizes a retrospective case-control methodology with horses that were discharged from the hospital after a colic surgery. These horses were divided into two groups: Salmonella-positive (SAL-POS) and Salmonella-negative (SAL-NEG).
• A minimum of two SAL-NEG horses were enrolled for every SAL-POS case, resulting in a study group of 59 SAL-POS and 119 SAL-NEG horses.
• Owners of these horses were interviewed telephonically a year after the surgery. This interview sought information about any complications post-discharge, the horse’s survival duration, and whether the horse could resume its intended use.
• Data was processed through various statistical tests and models such as an odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals to probe the link between clinical variables after surgery (like Salmonella status) and long-term outcomes. Furthermore, a Cox proportional hazards model was used for analyzing survival data, and multivariable logistic regression was employed for examining the return to use.

Findings

• The results indicated that the SAL-POS horses had a higher probability of surgical site infection (with an OR of 2.7) and weight loss (with an OR of 6.8).
• At the follow-up time, 95% SAL-POS and 84% SAL-NEG horses were alive.
• The final multivariable model for nonsurvival featured postoperative colic (hazard ratio 7.6) and a liaison between Salmonella status and postoperative rectal temperature duration greater than 103°F.
• Despite their Salmonella status, the majority of horses returned to their intended use, whether they were SAL-POS (76%) or SAL-NEG (80%).

Conclusions

• The research concludes that whether a horse is Salmonella-positive or Salmonella-negative does not significantly affect its long-term risk of complications (like colic/diarrhea), survival, or return to purpose, provided they survive the colic surgery and subsequent hospital discharge.