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BMC veterinary research2014; 10 Suppl 1(Suppl 1); S3; doi: 10.1186/1746-6148-10-S1-S3

Prevalence of and risk factors for colic in horses that display crib-biting behaviour.

Abstract: Crib-biting and windsucking (CBWS) behaviour in horses has been associated with increased risk of colic in general, recurrence of colic and specific forms of colic. The aims of the present study were to determine the prevalence of colic within a population of horses that display CBWS behaviour and to identify risk factors for colic. Methods: Owners/carers of horses in the general UK equine population that display CBWS behaviour were invited to participate in a questionnaire-based survey about the management and health of these horses. Data were obtained for a number of variables considered to be possible risk factors for colic. The prevalence of colic was calculated and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify associations between horse- and management-level variables for two outcomes of interest: a history of colic ever and a history of colic in the previous 12 months. Results: Data were obtained for 367 horses. One or more episodes of colic had been observed in 130 horses (35.4%). A total of 672 colic episodes were reported and 13 colic episodes required surgical intervention in 12 horses. Where the horse/pony had been in that persons care over the previous 12 months (n=331), colic had been observed in 67 horses (20.2%) during that time. A total of 126 colic episodes were reported in the preceding 12 months of which veterinary attendance was required in 69 (54.8%) episodes. Increased duration of ownership, increased duration of stabling in the Autumn months (September-November), crib-biting/windsucking behaviour associated with eating forage and horses that were fed haylage were associated with increased risk of colic (ever). Increasing severity (frequency) of CBWS behaviour and increased duration of stabling in the Autumn were associated with increased risk of colic in the previous 12 months. Conclusions: The prevalence of colic in a population of horses that display CBWS appeared to be relatively high. The results of this study can be used to identify horses that display CBWS who are at increased risk of colic and identifies areas for further research to determine if there are ways in which this risk might be reduced.
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Publication Date: 2014-07-07 PubMed ID: 25238292PubMed Central: PMC4123051DOI: 10.1186/1746-6148-10-S1-S3Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article examines the prevalence and risk factors of colic, a form of abdominal discomfort, in horses that exhibit crib-biting and windsucking behaviours (CBWS). Additionally, it explores potential management-related risk factors for colic among these horses.

Methods

  • The research used a questionnaire-based approach, soliciting participation from owners or carers of horses in the general UK equine population that exhibit CBWS behaviour.
  • Information was gathered about various variables which were suspected as potential risk factors for colic.
  • Using multivariable logistic regression, relationships between the collected variables and two outcomes – a history of ever having colic and a history of colic in the past 12 months – were analyzed.

Results

  • Data was collected from 367 horses. Of these, 130 horses (35.4%) had experienced one or more episodes of colic.
  • A total of 672 colic episodes were reported, with 13 requiring surgical intervention across 12 horses.
  • For the horses that have been under the care of the respondents for the past year (n=331), colic had occurred in 67 horses (20.2%) during that period. A total of 126 colic episodes were reported in the previous 12 months, with 69 (54.8%) requiring veterinary attendance.
  • The risk factors identified for increased colic risk included long duration of ownership, extended stabling during the Autumn months (September-November), horse comes to crib-bite/wind-suck while eating forage, and horses fed with haylage.
  • In the previous 12 months, frequent crib-biting/windsucking behaviour and prolonged stabling in Autumn were linked with increased colic risk.

Conclusion

  • The study found that the rates of colic are relatively high in horses that demonstrate CBWS behaviour.
  • These results can guide in identifying horses with CBWS behaviour that are at higher risk of colic, providing areas for further research to develop strategies to reduce this risk.

Cite This Article

APA
Escalona EE, Okell CN, Archer DC. (2014). Prevalence of and risk factors for colic in horses that display crib-biting behaviour. BMC Vet Res, 10 Suppl 1(Suppl 1), S3. https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-6148-10-S1-S3

Publication

BMC veterinary research
ISSN: 1746-6148
NlmUniqueID: 101249759
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 10 Suppl 1
Issue: Suppl 1
Pages: S3

Researcher Affiliations

Escalona, Ebony E
    Okell, Claire N
      Archer, Debra C

        MeSH Terms

        • Animals
        • Colic / etiology
        • Colic / veterinary
        • Horse Diseases / etiology
        • Horses
        • Humans
        • Logistic Models
        • Ownership
        • Risk Factors
        • Stereotyped Behavior

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        Citations

        This article has been cited 3 times.
        1. Saito Y, Amaya T. Symptoms and management of temporohyoid osteoarthropathy and its association with crib-biting behavior in 11 Japanese Thoroughbreds. J Equine Sci 2019;30(4):81-85.
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        2. Curtis L, Burford JH, England GCW, Freeman SL. Risk factors for acute abdominal pain (colic) in the adult horse: A scoping review of risk factors, and a systematic review of the effect of management-related changes. PLoS One 2019;14(7):e0219307.
          doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219307pubmed: 31295284google scholar: lookup
        3. Watson WL, MacKay JRD, Dwyer CM. Healthy as a Horse? Characterising the UK and Ireland's Horse Owners, Their Horses, and Owner-Reported Health and Behavioural Issues. Animals (Basel) 2025 Jan 31;15(3).
          doi: 10.3390/ani15030397pubmed: 39943167google scholar: lookup
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