Retrospective study of the risk factors and prevalence of colic in horses after orthopaedic surgery.

This research investigates the prevalence and risk factors influencing the development of colic in horses after undergoing orthopaedic surgery by examining 496 such operations on 428 horses. It reveals a potential link between the use of morphine and increased risk of colic, as well as a higher risk associated with surgeries conducted out-of-hours.

Study Overview

• The study utilized retrospective methodology, using past records of 496 orthopaedic operations on 428 horses to estimate the likelihood and risk factors contributing to post-surgery colic. Colic in this context was defined as any identifiable sign of abdominal discomfort excluding those brought on by a simultaneous disease.

Findings

• Out of all the horses studied, 14 developed colic after surgery.
• Of these 14 cases, eight remained undiagnosed, three were classified as impactions, one as tympanic colic of the colon, one as an incarceration of the small intestine in the epiploic foramen, and one as left dorsal displacement of the colon in the nephrosplenic space.

Risk Factors

• Use of morphine: Horses that were administered morphine showed a four-fold increase in the risk of developing colic compared to those given no opioid or butorphanol.
• Timing of surgery: Surgeries performed outside of regular hours were indicated to correlate with a higher risk of post-operation colic.

Implications

• The study’s findings highlight areas where the likelihood of colic can be reduced. These include reconsidering the use of morphine and scheduling surgeries during standard operating hours.
• However, further research is needed to confirm these relationships and to explore other potential risk factors.