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The Veterinary record2005; 157(16); 470-477; doi: 10.1136/vr.157.16.470

Specific causes of morbidity among Swedish horses insured for veterinary care between 1997 and 2000.

Abstract: The principal aim of this study was to analyse the incidence of disease due to general and more specific causes among over 100,000 horses covered by complete insurance for veterinary care by a Swedish insurance company during 1997 to 2000. The database was used to calculate the rate of cause-specific morbidity in horses of different ages, sexes and breed groups kept in different regions with different human population densities. The joints were the most commonly affected part of the body, followed by unspecified/whole body, the skin and the digestive system. The most common specific diagnosis was fetlock arthritis, followed by lameness of undefined origin, other locomotor problems, traumatic injuries to the skin, arthritis in several joints, and colic. Geldings had the highest rate of at least one disease event in the joints, unspecified/whole body, skeletal or respiratory system, whereas in the other four major systems the difference between the sexes was marginal.
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Publication Date: 2005-10-18 PubMed ID: 16227382DOI: 10.1136/vr.157.16.470Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

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.

This study explores the common causes of diseases in over 100,000 horses under veterinary care insurance in Sweden from 1997 to 2000, with the joints being the most frequently affected area.

Objective and Methodology

  • The main objective of this research is to examine the incidence and prevalence of disease in horses covered by comprehensive veterinary insurance in Sweden over a period of four years (1997-2000).
  • The research used a database provided by an insurance company and analysed the cause-specific rate of diseases in horses of different ages, sex, breed groups and habitats.

Findings

  • The joints were found to be the most commonly affected body part in horses, followed by unspecified or whole body parts, the skin and the digestive system.
  • The most frequent specific diagnosis in the study was fetlock arthritis (a condition affecting the joint connecting the foot and lower leg bones), with undefined origin lameness, other locomotor issues, skin injuries, arthritis in multiple joints, and colic (a severe, often fluctuating pain in the abdomen) following behind.

Age, Sex, and Breed Factors

  • The rate of at least one disease event was highest in geldings (castrated male horses) particularly in the joints, unspecified/whole body, skeletal, or respiratory system.
  • Contrarily, in the other four major systems, the difference between sexes was negligible indicating that factors other than sex may influence the occurrence of diseases in these systems.

Implications

  • This study provides key insights into the most common causes of diseases in horses and the influential factors, which is crucial for veterinary practitioners and horse owners. It allows them to focus preventative care on the most commonly affected areas and disease types.
  • The findings underscore the importance of regular check-ups and the provision of adequate care for horses to maintain their overall health.

Cite This Article

APA
Penell JC, Egenvall A, Bonnett BN, Olson P, Pringle J. (2005). Specific causes of morbidity among Swedish horses insured for veterinary care between 1997 and 2000. Vet Rec, 157(16), 470-477. https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.157.16.470

Publication

The Veterinary record
ISSN: 0042-4900
NlmUniqueID: 0031164
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 157
Issue: 16
Pages: 470-477

Researcher Affiliations

Penell, J C
  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden.
Egenvall, A
    Bonnett, B N
      Olson, P
        Pringle, J

          MeSH Terms

          • Age Distribution
          • Animals
          • Databases, Factual
          • Female
          • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
          • Horse Diseases / etiology
          • Horses
          • Incidence
          • Insurance / statistics & numerical data
          • Male
          • Morbidity
          • Risk Factors
          • Sex Distribution
          • Sweden / epidemiology

          Citations

          This article has been cited 23 times.
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