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Equine veterinary journal2026; doi: 10.1002/evj.70219

Risk factors for post-partum colic in a population of UK and Irish Thoroughbred broodmares.

Abstract: Broodmares are at increased risk of gastrointestinal colic. However, colic risk factors specific to this population have not been investigated. Objective: To investigate horse- and management-level risk factors for post-partum colic in a cohort of Thoroughbred broodmares in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Methods: Prospective, nested case-control study. Methods: Twenty-nine Thoroughbred stud farms in the United Kingdom and Ireland were recruited, and 1044 mares were followed over the 2021 and/or 2022 foaling seasons. Data were collected on signalment, medical and management history for post-partum colic mares and matched (3:1) controls. Multivariable analysis was conducted using conditional logistic regression. Results: Due to strong collinearity between days post-partum and time spent stabled, two multivariable models were built. Days post-partum (Model 1: OR 0.9, 95% CI 0.8-0.9; p < 0.001) and increasing hours stabled (Model 2: OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.1-1.3; p < 0.001) were strongly associated with increased risk of post-partum colic. Colic risk was highest immediately post-partum, with reduction in likelihood of colic up to 50 days after foaling. NSAID use in the previous 28 days (Model 1: OR 6.2, 95% CI 2.0-65.5; Model 2: OR 4.1, 95% CI 1.1-15.0; p = 0.048) and a history of previous colic (Model 1: OR 7.4, 95% CI 1.2-7.9; Model 2: OR 5.3, 95% CI 1.7-17.1; p = 0.01) were also associated with increased colic risk. Calcium supplementation was associated with increased likelihood of post-partum colic in Model 1 only (OR 4.4, 95% CI 1.3-15.7; p = 0.04). Conclusions: Mares comprised a small sub-population of UK and Irish Thoroughbred broodmares. Pre-partum colic was not investigated. Conclusions: Maximising turnout in post-partum broodmares may reduce colic risk, immediately post-partum and up to 50 days. Broodmares who have recently received NSAIDs, have a history of colic or are receiving a calcium-based supplement may be at increased risk of post-partum colic.
© 2026 EVJ Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2026-06-30 PubMed ID: 42381284DOI: 10.1002/evj.70219Google 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.

Risk factors for post-partum colic in Thoroughbred broodmares in the UK and Ireland were investigated, identifying post-partum time, stabling duration, NSAID use, previous colic history, and calcium supplementation as key influences on colic risk.

Study Background and Purpose

  • Broodmares, or female horses used for breeding, have a high risk of gastrointestinal colic, a painful digestive condition.
  • Specific risk factors for colic after giving birth (post-partum) in Thoroughbred broodmares had not been well studied.
  • This study aimed to identify both horse-related and management-related factors that contribute to post-partum colic risk.

Study Design and Methods

  • Type: Prospective, nested case-control study.
  • Population: 1044 Thoroughbred broodmares from 29 stud farms in the UK and Ireland.
  • Duration: Followed during 2021 and/or 2022 foaling seasons.
  • Data Collection: Includes horse characteristics, medical history, and management practices.
  • Cases: Mares that developed post-partum colic.
  • Controls: Three mares matched to each case who did not develop colic.
  • Analysis: Conditional logistic regression used to evaluate risk factors.
  • Note: Because time since foaling and hours stabled were strongly correlated, two separate multivariable models were created to avoid bias.

Key Findings Regarding Risk Factors

  • Time post-partum:
    • Risk of colic was highest immediately after foaling.
    • Likelihood of colic decreased steadily up to 50 days after birth.
    • Model 1 showed an odds ratio (OR) of 0.9 per day post-partum, indicating risk decreases with each passing day.
  • Time spent stabled:
    • Longer hours spent in stable post-partum increased colic risk (OR 1.2 per hour).
    • This suggests more turnout or pasture time might reduce risk.
  • Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in previous 28 days:
    • Strongly associated with increased post-partum colic risk (OR between 4.1 and 6.2 depending on model).
    • Possible implications for how NSAIDs are administered around foaling.
  • History of previous colic:
    • Mares with past colic episodes had significantly higher risk of post-partum colic (OR 5.3 to 7.4).
    • This history is an important predictive factor.
  • Calcium supplementation:
    • Associated with increased colic risk in one of the models (OR 4.4).
    • Suggests the need to evaluate routine supplementation practices around parturition.

Interpretation and Recommendations

  • Colic risk is highest right after foaling and decreases over about 50 days.
  • Minimizing the time mares spend confined in stables post-partum may lower colic risk, suggesting increased turnout is beneficial.
  • Mares with recent NSAID use, past colic history, or receiving calcium supplements require closer monitoring due to elevated risk.
  • Management strategies for broodmares should consider these risk factors to improve health outcomes and potentially reduce colic cases.
  • The study did not investigate colic occurrences before foaling or in non-Thoroughbred populations, limiting generalization.

Cite This Article

APA
Cullen E, Carslake HB, Henderson I, Stoneham S, Pinchbeck GL, Archer DC. (2026). Risk factors for post-partum colic in a population of UK and Irish Thoroughbred broodmares. Equine Vet J. https://doi.org/10.1002/evj.70219

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English

Researcher Affiliations

Cullen, E
  • Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, UK.
Carslake, H B
  • Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, UK.
Henderson, I
  • Ballylinch Stud, Thomastown, Kilkenny, Ireland.
Stoneham, S
  • Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, UK.
Pinchbeck, G L
  • Department of Livestock and One Health, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, UK.
Archer, D C
  • Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, UK.

Grant Funding

  • University of Liverpool

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