Risk factors of colic in horses in Austria.

This Austrian study examined the risk factors of colic in horses, identifying decreased water consumption, high amounts of concentrate intake, poor hay hygiene, and high temperatures on arrival as key contributors. Better feed management practices could potentially mitigate these risks.

Research Methodology

• The research was a hospital-based case study undertaken at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, lasting one year.
• Data was sourced from hospital medical records, questionnaires, http://www.orf.at for weather-related factors, and the analysis of 221 collected feed samples.
• Among the elements investigated from the medical records were individual factors, the horse’s duties, deworming practices, and changes in diet and water intake.
• The questionnaires surveyed aspects of feed and water provision, as well as housing and pasture practices.
• A sensory evaluation was conducted on the feed samples to assess hygienic quality, and mould, yeast, and bacteria were identified and confirmed through microbiological investigation.

Study Findings and Conclusion

• The study observed 2743 horses and 366 cases of colic.
• Only variables found to be significantly associated with colic through a univariate analysis were included in the multivariate analysis. The overriding risk factor was decreased water consumption (p < 0.001, OR = 5.025).
• Further risk factors identified were a high amount of concentrate intake (p = 0.037), a low hygienic quality of hay (p = 0.027), and a high temperature on the day of arrival (p = 0.003).
• The study concluded that although colic might not be preventable, the occurrence could be decreased through the improvement of feed management practices in Austria.
• This was the first time risk factors of colic in horses in Austria have been identified and studied systematically.