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Home / Equine Research Bank / Can Vet J / Perioperative risk factors for mortality and length of hospi...
The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne2012; 53(5); 502-510;

Perioperative risk factors for mortality and length of hospitalization in mares with dystocia undergoing general anesthesia: a retrospective study.

Abstract: This study investigated associations between perioperative factors and probability of death and length of hospitalization of mares with dystocia that survived following general anesthesia. Demographics and perioperative characteristics from 65 mares were reviewed retrospectively and used in a risk factor analysis. Mortality rate was 21.5% during the first 24 h post-anesthesia. The mean ± standard deviation number of days of hospitalization of surviving mares was 6.3 ± 5.4 d. Several factors were found in the univariable analysis to be significantly associated (P < 0.1) with increased probability of perianesthetic death, including: low preoperative total protein, high temperature and severe dehydration on presentation, prolonged dystocia, intraoperative hypotension, and drugs used during recovery. Type of delivery and day of the week the surgery was performed were significantly associated with length of hospitalization in the multivariable mixed effects model. The study identified some risk factors that may allow clinicians to better estimate the probability of mortality and morbidity in these mares. Facteurs de risque périopératoires pour la mortalité et la durée d’hospitalisation chez les juments atteintes de dystocie subissant l’anesthésie générale : une étude rétrospective. Cette étude a étudié les associations entre les facteurs périopératoires et la probabilité de décès et la durée d’hospitalisation des juments atteintes de dystocie qui ont survécu après l’anesthésie générale. Les données démographiques et les caractéristiques périopératoires ont été examinées rétrospectivement et utilisées dans une analyse des facteurs de risque. Le taux de mortalité était de 21,5 % durant les 24 premières heures après l’anesthésie. La moyenne ± l’écart-type du nombre de jours d’hospitalisation des juments qui avaient survécu étaient de 6,3 ± 5,4 jours. Plusieurs facteurs ont été trouvés dans l’analyse à une variable comme présentant une association importante (P < 0,1) avec une probabilité accrue de mort péri-anesthésique, y compris : un taux total de protéines faible en stade préopératoire, une température élevée et une déshydratation grave à la présentation, une dystocie prolongée, de l’hypotension intra-opératoire et les médicaments utilisés pendant le réveil. Le type de mise bas et le jour de la semaine de l’intervention chirurgicale présentaient une association significative avec la durée d’hospitalisation dans le modèle des effets mixtes à variables multiples. L’étude a identifié certains facteurs de risque qui pourront permettre aux cliniciens de mieux prévoir la probabilité de mortalité et de morbidité chez ces juments. (Traduit par Isabelle Vallières)
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Publication Date: 2012-11-02 PubMed ID: 23115362PubMed Central: PMC3327588
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  • Journal Article

Summary

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The research assesses the influence of perioperative factors on survival and hospital stay length of mares suffering from dystocia (difficult childbirth) post general anesthesia. It reveals that variables such as preoperative protein level, presentation conditions, dystocia duration, intraoperative blood pressure, and recovery drugs, significantly affect survival chances, while the day and type of delivery determine the hospital stay length.

Research Background

  • The research was carried out to identify perioperative risk factors that affect the mortality rate and length of hospitalization in mares with dystocia undergoing general anesthesia.
  • Dystocia refers to difficulties or complications during childbirth. For mares, this can be a critical condition, often requiring general anesthesia and medical intervention.
  • Understanding the variables that influence the outcome and recovery of such procedures can allow veterinary clinicians to better prepare and manage these cases.

Research Methodology

  • As part of the study, data on demographic and perioperative characteristics of 65 mares was retrospectively analyzed.
  • This analysis focused on several possible risk factors, including preoperative total protein levels, animal’s condition on presentation (such as high temperature and severe dehydration), dystocia duration, intraoperative hypotension, and drugs used during recovery.
  • These factors were then correlated with the horse’s mortality rate and length of hospitalization using a risk factor analysis.

Key Findings

  • The research revealed that out of the 65 mares, the mortality rate was 21.5% during the initial 24 hours post-anesthesia.
  • For the surviving mares, the average length of hospital stay was 6.3 ± 5.4 days.
  • Several factors found in the univariable analysis were seen to be significantly associated with an increased probability of death during the perianesthetic period. These included: low preoperative total protein, high temperature, and severe dehydration at presentation, prolonged dystocia, and drugs used during recovery.
  • The multivariable mixed-effects model showed that the day of the week when the surgery was performed and the type of delivery were significantly associated with the length of hospitalization.

Research Implications

  • This study provides insightful data that can help clinicians better predict mortality and morbidity risk in mares with dystocia undergoing general anesthesia.
  • By understanding and considering these risk factors, it’s possible to take measures to potentially mitigate these risks, contributing to improve overall veterinary care for mares.

Cite This Article

APA
Rioja E, Cernicchiaro N, Costa MC, Valverde A. (2012). Perioperative risk factors for mortality and length of hospitalization in mares with dystocia undergoing general anesthesia: a retrospective study. Can Vet J, 53(5), 502-510.

Publication

The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne
ISSN: 0008-5286
NlmUniqueID: 0004653
Country: Canada
Language: English
Volume: 53
Issue: 5
Pages: 502-510

Researcher Affiliations

Rioja, Eva
  • Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada. eva.riojagarcia@up.ac.za
Cernicchiaro, Natalia
    Costa, Maria Carolina
      Valverde, Alexander

        MeSH Terms

        • Anesthesia, General / mortality
        • Anesthesia, General / veterinary
        • Animals
        • Dystocia / mortality
        • Dystocia / surgery
        • Dystocia / veterinary
        • Female
        • Horse Diseases / mortality
        • Horse Diseases / surgery
        • Horses
        • Hospitals, Animal / statistics & numerical data
        • Length of Stay
        • Obstetric Labor Complications / mortality
        • Obstetric Labor Complications / veterinary
        • Perioperative Care / veterinary
        • Perioperative Period / veterinary
        • Postoperative Complications / mortality
        • Postoperative Complications / veterinary
        • Pregnancy
        • Pregnancy Outcome / veterinary
        • Retrospective Studies
        • Risk Factors
        • Survival Analysis
        • Time Factors

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        Citations

        This article has been cited 9 times.
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        2. de la Rebière de Pouyade G, Binard M, Deleuze S, Ponthier J. Survey on outcomes of emergency standing caesarean section in equids. Front Vet Sci 2025;12:1548978.
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        3. Feyisa CT, Dadi YD, Kitessa JD. Multiple cesarean section in Jenny. BMC Vet Res 2025 Feb 26;21(1):114.
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        4. Henderson ARP, Valverde A, Koenig J, Sears W. Effects of anesthetic protocol, procedure, and recovery stall and interval on the quality of recovery in repeatedly anesthetized horses. Can J Vet Res 2025 Jan;89(1):17-25.
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