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Colic in the British military working horse population: a retrospective analysis

Tannahill, V J; Cardwell, J M; Witte, T H

Authors

V J Tannahill

J M Cardwell

T H Witte



Abstract

Colic is a common and potentially life-threatening condition of horses. Multiple risk factors have been previously identified and it is known that a careful management routine can help reduce colic rates. The British military working horse population represents a unique cohort of horses that are intensively managed with a strict regimen. This retrospective study examined the incidence and mortality rate of colic within this population, as well as the signalment of affected horses, and compared these with the general population. Data for 717 horses over a five-year period (2008–2012) were analysed. Of these, 163 horses (22.7 per cent) experienced 267 colic episodes and 13 horses (1.8 per cent) died because of colic. Recurrent colic was experienced by 35 per cent (57/163) of horses. The incidence of colic was 11.1 episodes per 100 horse-years and of colic-related death was 0.5 deaths per 100 horse-years. Horses purchased from mainland Europe were more likely to suffer from colic (OR 4.6; P

Citation

Tannahill, V. J., Cardwell, J. M., & Witte, T. H. (in press). Colic in the British military working horse population: a retrospective analysis. Veterinary Record, https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.104956

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Oct 30, 2018
Deposit Date Dec 13, 2018
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal VETERINARY RECORD
Print ISSN 0042-4900
Publisher BMJ Publishing Group
Peer Reviewed Not Peer Reviewed
DOI https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.104956
Public URL https://rvc-repository.worktribe.com/output/1385391

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