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.
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===Classification===
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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.
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===Post-operative Survival===
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Studies have shown that there is an increased risk of death with certain factors:
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*Abnormal [[hematocrit|Packed Cell Volume]] (PCV) on presentation