Colic Epidemiology in Horses

Epidemiology

Incidence

Colic occurs relatively frequently in horses, with an incidence estimated at 0.1-0.2 episodes per horse-year. In context, this would mean an average holding of 100 horses could reasonably expect to see 10-20 cases every year.

Classification

Approximately 90% of colic episodes can be succesfully managed using medical treatments, with the remainder requiring surgery. Assuming surgical and medical cases of colic are accurately distinguished, survival rates of 95% and 80% are considered normal for medical and surgical colic, respectively.

Post-operative Survival

Studies have shown that there is an increased risk of death with certain factors:

• Abnormal Packed Cell Volume (PCV) on presentation
• Increased length of intestine resected
• Increased duration of surgery
• Elevated peripheral lactate
• Elevated peritoneal fluid lactate