Interval prevalence of and factors associated with colic in horses hospitalized for ocular or orthopedic disease.

This research investigated the prevalence and risk factors associated with colic in horses admitted to a veterinary hospital due to ocular or orthopedic diseases. The results showed no significant difference in colic prevalence between horses with eye problems versus those with bone disorders, however, the use of anti-inflammatory drugs did significantly increase the risk of colic.

Research Design and Subjects

• The study was cross-sectional, examining data from horses hospitalized over a period of one year (July 1, 2011, to June 30, 2012).
• The sample included 105 horses with ocular or eye disease and 197 horses with orthopedic or bone disease.
• The researchers reviewed medical records to identify instances of colic, an intestinal condition that causes pain and distress in horses.

Study Focus

• The main goal was to determine the 1-year prevalence of colic and identify factors that could increase its risk.
• Possible risk factors considered in the study included the reason for hospital admission, horse age, breed, gender, medical or surgical treatments, and the duration of hospital stays.

Key Findings

• 8% (8 out of 105) of horses with ocular disease had colic, compared to 5% (9 out of 197) of those with orthopedic disease – a difference that was statistically insignificant.
• Significant differences were found between horses with eye conditions and those with bone conditions in terms of age, horse breed, and gender; however, these factors did not affect the incidence of colic.
• Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was associated with an increased risk of colic – specifically, for every 1 mg/kg increase in daily NSAID dose, the odds of colic increased by close to 100%.
• No major differences were observed in the duration of colic symptoms, length of hospital stay, and duration of systemic NSAID administration between the two groups of horses.

Conclusions

• The study concluded that horses diagnosed with ocular disease did not exhibit a greater risk for colic than those with orthopedic diseases.
• The medical management of colic appears to be adequate for most horses, with only one animal (with an eye condition) not responding to the treatment.