Epidemiology of equine colic Flashcards
What is colic?
A clinical signs of abdominal pain
Usually related to the GIT
What is false colic?
Non-GI causes of colic
Why is knowledge of the epidemiology of colic important?
Can assist the practitioner and colic surgeon
Diagnosis
Prevention of recurrence
How are colic risk factors broadly classified?
Horse level risk factors
Management level risk factors
List the horse level risk factors of colic
- No clear age, breed (height) or sex predilection for colic overall
- Specific types of colic do have specific age or sex risk factors
- Crib-biting / windsucking behaviour identified as a risk factor
- Weaving (walking in place)
List the management level risk factors of colic
- Specific types of lesions may be more common in certain geographical locations e.g. Sand colic
- Seasonal patterns: overall colic risk increased in winter
- Feed types and feeding practices
- Stabling and access to pasture
- Dental care
- Parasites and anthelmintic administration
- Transport
- Exercise
The level of risk of equine grass sickness is increased at what time of year?
Late spring/early summer
How do feeding types and feeding practices act as a risk factors for colic?
- Increased concentrate in feed -> Medical colic
- Change in batch / type of feed within 2 weeks
- Specific types of feed associated with some types of colic
How can management of dental care act as a risk factor for colic?
- Teeth checked less frequently
- Horses with a known dental problem at risk of recurrent colic
- Donkeys with dental disease at increased risk of LC impactions
Which parasite is associated with spasmodic colic, ileal impaction and caecal intussusception?
Anoplocephala perfoliata
Can recurrence of colic be prevented? What are the 4 risk factors for recurrence?
37% of horses had a recurrence of colic within 12 months
Risk factors for recurrence:
- Known dental problem
- Crib biting /windsucking
- Weaving
- Time at pasture
Describe the features of a pedunculated lipoma strangulation colic and explain which horses are most at risk
Older horses and ponies (>8 y.o)
Ponies»horses
Geldings>mares
Small intestine
Occasionally small colon & other sites
Describe the risk factors of a large colon volvulus colic and explain which horses are most at risk
Mares – post foaling
Larger horses
Increased stabling
Dental disease
Feed - especially changes
Describe the risk factors of a large colon impaction colic and explain which horses are most at risk
Change in management – stabling
Autumn/winter
Box rest (e.g. hospitalised)
Straw bedding
Describe the risk factors of epiploic foramen entrapment
Seasonal - Dec, Jan, Feb
Increased stabling
Other factors: feed, turnout etc.
Crib biting/wind sucking behaviour
Can a prognosis for colic be given based on presentation and clinical data?
- Need for “evidence based medicine”: pain, cardiovascular signs and absence of gut sounds - predictors of critical case or not
- Guidelines for decision making/surgery - Improved advice
- Bench marking for hospitals
- International colic surgery audit
List some risk factors for mortality in surgery to treat colic
Resection length
PCV
Duration of surgery
-> as these factors increase the risk of mortality increases
Post-op complications: ileus, surgical site infection, jugular thrombosis
What is the other name of equine grass sickness
Equine dysautonomia
Describe the pathogenesis of equine grass sickness
- Polyneuropathy affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems of horses
- Clinical signs related to neuronal degeneration in the autonomic and enteric nervous systems
- Varying degrees of severity: extent of neuronal degeneration
How is equine grass sickness diagnosed?
Clinical signs
Histology
- Ileal biopsy - surgery
- Post-mortem examination
List the acute and subacute clinical signs of equine grass sickness
Colic
Reflux
Tachycardia
SI distension
Sweating
Salivation
Difficulty swallowing
Ptosis - upper eyelid drooping
List the chronic clinical signs of equine grass sickness
Weight loss
Dysphagia
Tachycardia
Patchy sweating
Muscle fasciculation
Rhinitis sicca
‘elephant on a barrel’ stance / ‘greyhound’ like
Describe the epidemiology of equine grass sickness
- Previous outbreaks on premises increases risk
- Young horses 2-7 (3-5yrs)
- At pasture
- Seasonal: Spring – especially April/May
- Regional: more common in North, Scotland (east coast)
List the management risk factors for equine grass sickness
- Access to grass: longer time at pasture
- Recent change in pasture (e.g. changed fields previous 2-4 weeks)
- Pasture disturbance (e.g. mechanical removal of droppings)
- Element levels in soil
- Avoid turning out young horses to a pasture that has previously had GS in Spring time
Describe the aetiological theory for equine grass sickness
Toxico-infection with C. botulinum type C
