Owner perceptions and Experiences with Equine Necropsy.
Abstract: In recent years, the number of horses submitted for necropsy has been in decline. This study aimed to identify the perceptions and barriers of equine necropsy through an online survey of horse owners. The data were analyzed by multivariate models for associations and factors that influenced decision making regarding necropsy. The survey yielded 1,366 usable responses. Respondents had higher familiarity with the term "autopsy" compared to "necropsy" (P<0.001) and showed a greater level of comfort using the terms "body" and "mortality" compared to "carcass" (P<0.001). Most respondents (82%) had experienced euthanizing a horse, but few (27%) were offered a necropsy. Of those offered a necropsy, a majority (81%) opted to perform one. When asked about their reasons for choosing to have a necropsy performed, recommendations from veterinarians (77.87 OR, 95%CI: 49.3, 127.5) and already knowing the cause of death (1.85 OR, 95%CI: 1.2, 30) were positively associated while a benefit to herd health was negatively associated (0.55 OR, 95%CI: 0.3, 1.0). Owning horses for use as competition animals (1.44 OR, 95%CI: 0.9, 2.2), the desire for personal closure (1.76 OR, 95%CI: 1.1, 2.9), and the goals to protect human health (1.29 OR, 95%CI: 1.0, 1.6) and to improve herd health (1.43 OR, 95%CI: 1.1, 1.9) were positively associated with a likelihood of choosing to have a necropsy performed or recommending necropsies in the future. This research highlights the need for education of horse owners about the option and benefits of necropsy, and the use of more societally accepted language.
Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc.
Publication Date: 2024-04-10 PubMed ID: 38608969DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105065Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research article investigates why the number of horses submitted for necropsy (post-mortem examination to determine cause of death) is decreasing. The authors used an online survey to gain insights from horse owners and found that terminology and recommendations by veterinarians significantly influence the owners’ decision to opt for equine necropsy.
Methodology
- The researchers conducted an online survey targeting horse owners to understand their perceptions and inhibitions towards equine necropsy. This includes their familiarity with the terms “necropsy” and “autopsy”, their comfort level with different words used to describe death, and their experiences with equine mortality.
- The responses were statistically analyzed using multivariate models to determine key associations and factors that impact the decision of performing a necropsy on a deceased horse.
Findings
- From the 1,366 usable responses, it was observed that the respondents were more familiar and comfortable with the term “autopsy” compared to “necropsy”. Similarly, they showed greater comfort using the terms “body” and “mortality” as opposed to “carcass”.
- Approximately 82% respondents had endured the euthanasia of a horse, yet merely 27% were offered the option of necropsy. Of those offered, 81% chose to perform one.
- Veterinarian recommendations and pre-established cause of death were positively associated with the decision to undertake a necropsy. Interestingly, the perceived benefit to the herd’s health was negatively related.
- Owners of competition horses, those seeking closure, and those intending to safeguard human health and improve herd health, were more likely to opt for a necropsy.
Implications
- The vocabulary used in discussing equine mortality has a significant impact on the choices of horse owners. More societally accepted language might encourage more owners to consider necropsy.
- Horse owners need to be educated about the benefits of post-mortem examinations in order to make informed decisions. This information, preferably coming from veterinarians, could include the relevance of necropsies in maintaining herd health, improving competitive horse care, and preventing potential risks to human health.
Cite This Article
APA
Inglis ZE, Firshman AM, Lochner HL, Martinson KL.
(2024).
Owner perceptions and Experiences with Equine Necropsy.
J Equine Vet Sci, 105065.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105065 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, 1365 Gortner Ave, St. Paul, MN, 55108.
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, 1365 Gortner Ave, St. Paul, MN, 55108.
- University of Minnesota Extension, 1364 Eckles Ave, St. Paul, MN, 55108.
- Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, 1365 Gortner Ave, St. Paul, MN, 55108. Electronic address: krishona@umn.edu.
Conflict of Interest Statement
Declaration of competing interest None of the authors has any financial or personal relationships that could influence or bias the content of the paper.
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