Colic Epidemiology in Horses

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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