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

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.