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Research in veterinary science2013; 95(2); 418-424; doi: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2013.05.007

Preventive health care and owner-reported disease prevalence of horses and ponies in Great Britain.

Abstract: This study aimed to describe the provision of preventive health care and owner-reported disease prevalence in horses and ponies within Great Britain (GB), and to assess geographical variations in health care provision. A cross-sectional survey was conducted, using a postal questionnaire administered to a random sample of veterinary-registered owners of horses and ponies in GB (n=797). The majority of animals received regular preventive health care: 95.6% had regular hoof care; 71.3% were vaccinated for both influenza and tetanus and median time since last anthelmintic administration was 8.7 weeks. Thirty-one percent of owners indicated their animal was overweight/obese. A new health problem within the previous 7 days was reported for 7.4% of animals, 59.3% of which were veterinary-diagnosed. Thirty-two percent of animals were reported to have a long-term/recurrent condition, of which osteoarthritis (13.9%) was the most prevalent. Obesity, musculoskeletal disorders, and dermatological conditions were the most prevalent conditions affecting veterinary-registered horses/ponies.
Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Publication Date: 2013-06-13 PubMed ID: 23768693DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2013.05.007Google 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 researchers aimed to review how preventive health care is provided to horses and ponies in Great Britain, and identify the common diseases reported by their owners. Most animals received frequent preventive care such as hoof care and vaccination for diseases like flu and tetanus, but obesity and conditions like osteoarthritis were prevalent.

Research Methodology

  • The researchers carried out a cross-sectional study, which involved observing a population at one specific point in time. They used this approach to gather information about the state of horse and pony health, and the types of preventive healthcare provided.
  • To collect the data, they sent postal questionnaires to a random sample of owners of horses and ponies who were registered with veterinarians. The sample size for this survey was 797 owners.

Preventive Health Care

  • Considerably, 95.6% of the horses and ponies had consistent hoof care, a crucial part of equine preventive health care to avoid hoof diseases and other related issues.
  • Approximately 71.3% were vaccinated for influenza and tetanus, two infectious diseases that commonly occur in this species.
  • The survey revealed that the median time since the last anthelmintic treatment, which is a drug used for treating parasitic worm infections, was 8.7 weeks. This indicates that many owners are routinely providing this essential preventive treatment.

Owner-Reported Disease Prevalence

  • The research found that about 31% of owners reported their horses or ponies were overweight or obese. This highlights the need for better dietary and exercise management in these animals.
  • A new health problem within the previous seven days was reported by owners for about 7.4% of the animals, and among these, 59.3% had been diagnosed by a veterinarian.
  • About 32% of horses and ponies were suffering from a long-term or recurrent condition. The most common of these was osteoarthritis, which was reported in 13.9% of the population.
  • Obesity, musculoskeletal disorders, and skin diseases were identified as the most prevalent conditions affecting the studied population.

This study provides a valuable insight into the preventive health care practices for horses and ponies in Great Britain, as well as the diseases most often reported by owners. It also emphasizes the necessity for ongoing, regular preventive healthcare and education for owners to help identify and manage common health issues such as obesity and osteoarthritis.

Cite This Article

APA
Ireland JL, Wylie CE, Collins SN, Verheyen KL, Newton JR. (2013). Preventive health care and owner-reported disease prevalence of horses and ponies in Great Britain. Res Vet Sci, 95(2), 418-424. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2013.05.007

Publication

Research in veterinary science
ISSN: 1532-2661
NlmUniqueID: 0401300
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 95
Issue: 2
Pages: 418-424
PII: S0034-5288(13)00190-2

Researcher Affiliations

Ireland, J L
  • Epidemiology Department, Centre for Preventive Medicine, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk, UK. jo.ireland@aht.org.uk
Wylie, C E
    Collins, S N
      Verheyen, K L P
        Newton, J R

          MeSH Terms

          • Animal Husbandry / methods
          • Animals
          • Data Collection
          • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
          • Horse Diseases / prevention & control
          • Horses
          • Prevalence
          • Surveys and Questionnaires
          • United Kingdom / epidemiology

          Citations

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