Study of variables commonly used in examination of equine colic cases to assess prognostic value.
Abstract: In a retrospective study, the prognostic value and individual merit of seven variables, used in routine examination of colic cases, were tested. The following variables proved to be significant in discriminating between horses which survived and those which died: heart rate (P less than 0.00005), packed cell volume (P less than 0.00005) and intensity of colic signs (P less than 0.0001).
Publication Date: 1986-07-01 PubMed ID: 3758004DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1986.tb03626.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
- Clinical Examination
- Clinical Findings
- Clinical Pathology
- Clinical Study
- Colic
- Diagnosis
- Disease control
- Disease Diagnosis
- Disease Management
- Disease Prevention
- Disease Treatment
- Equine Diseases
- Equine Health
- Heart Rate
- Horses
- Mortality
- Prognosis
- Retrospective Study
- Veterinary Care
- Veterinary Medicine
- Veterinary Research
Summary
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The research aimed at evaluating the indication of specific variables in assessing the prognosis of horses suffering from colic. Essential findings reveal that three variables, namely heart rate, packed cell volume, and intensity of colic signs, are significant in predicting the survival of afflicted horses.
Objective and Methodology of the Study
The researchers aimed to understand the merit and prognostic value of seven specific variables that are routinely examined in colic cases in horses. To do this, a retrospective study was carried out, looking back at past cases and records to assess the relevance of each variable.
Significant Variables
- Heart Rate: The study found heart rate to be a highly significant variable in determining the prognosis of the horses. The statistical probability of its significance was less than 0.00005, highlighting the high relevance of this factor.
- Packed Cell Volume (PCV): PCV was also similarly identified as a significant variable, with a statistical probability of less than 0.00005. Packed cell volume refers to the volume percentage of red blood cells in blood. An unusually high or low PCV could indicate medical problems such as dehydration or anemia, potentially linked to the severity of colic.
- Intensity of Colic Signs: The study also showed a high significance in the intensity of the signs of colic. With a statistical probability of less than 0.0001, the level of discomfort, pain, and distress displayed by the horse was a key determinant of survival chances.
Significance of the Study
Understanding the prognostic value of these variables is crucial in managing colic in horses. Identifying these significant variables can help in formulating effective treatment strategies, thereby improving the prognosis and survival rate for afflicted horses. The study contributes to better clinical decision-making and improved veterinary care for horses suffering from colic.
Cite This Article
APA
Puotunen-Reinert A.
(1986).
Study of variables commonly used in examination of equine colic cases to assess prognostic value.
Equine Vet J, 18(4), 275-277.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1986.tb03626.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Colic / diagnosis
- Colic / veterinary
- Gastrointestinal Diseases / diagnosis
- Gastrointestinal Diseases / veterinary
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horses
- Prognosis
- Retrospective Studies
Citations
This article has been cited 11 times.- Crosby CE, O'Connor A, Munsterman AS. Alactic base excess is not a sensitive or specific diagnostic tool for outcome in horses with colic. Front Vet Sci 2025;12:1618304.
- Viterbo L, Hughes J, Milner PI, Bardell D. Arterial Blood Gas, Electrolyte and Acid-Base Values as Diagnostic and Prognostic Indicators in Equine Colic. Animals (Basel) 2023 Oct 17;13(20).
- Matthews LB, Sanz M, Sellon DC. Long-term outcome after colic surgery: retrospective study of 106 horses in the USA (2014-2021). Front Vet Sci 2023;10:1235198.
- Cummings CO, Krucik DDR, Price E. Clinical predictive models in equine medicine: A systematic review. Equine Vet J 2023 Jul;55(4):573-583.
- Bishop RC, Gutierrez-Nibeyro SD, Stewart MC, McCoy AM. Performance of predictive models of survival in horses undergoing emergency exploratory laparotomy for colic. Vet Surg 2022 Aug;51(6):891-902.
- Kopper JJ, Kogan CJ, Cook VL, Schott HC 2nd. Outcome of horses with enterocolitis receiving oncotic fluid support with either plasma or hetastarch. Can Vet J 2019 Nov;60(11):1207-1212.
- Curtis L, Burford JH, Thomas JS, Curran ML, Bayes TC, England GC, Freeman SL. Prospective study of the primary evaluation of 1016 horses with clinical signs of abdominal pain by veterinary practitioners, and the differentiation of critical and non-critical cases. Acta Vet Scand 2015 Oct 6;57:69.
- Ihler CF, Venger JL, Skjerve E. Evaluation of clinical and laboratory variables as prognostic indicators in hospitalised gastrointestinal colic horses. Acta Vet Scand 2004;45(1-2):109-18.
- Sandholm M, Vidovic A, Puotunen-Reinert A, Sankari S, Nyholm K, Rita H. D-dimer improves the prognostic value of combined clinical and laboratory data in equine gastrointestinal colic. Acta Vet Scand 1995;36(2):255-72.
- Reeves MJ, Curtis CR, Salman MD, Hilbert BJ. Prognosis in equine colic patients using multivariable analysis. Can J Vet Res 1989 Jan;53(1):87-94.
- Pascoe PJ, Ducharme NG, Ducharme GR, Lumsden JH. A computer-derived protocol using recursive partitioning to aid in estimating prognosis of horses with abdominal pain in referral hospitals. Can J Vet Res 1990 Jun;54(3):373-8.
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