Chronically starved horses: predicting survival, economic, and ethical considerations.
Nine of 45 horses subjected to prolonged malnutrition died subsequent to being placed with a responsible caregiver and being provided an appropriate diet. Initial extreme poor body condition score tended to be associated with death, although individual response to refeeding varied. The financial costs of stabilizing the group of horses significantly exceeded their free market price. Responsible management of chronically starved commercial animals should include options for immediate euthanasia.
Whiting
Terry L
TL
Veterinary Services Branch, Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives, 545 University Crescent, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Salmon
Ray H
RH
Wruck
Gustave C
GC
D000821:Animal Feed; D000827:Animal Welfare / Q000191:economics / Q000941:ethics; D000818:Animals; D001824:Body Constitution; D004435:Eating / Q000502:physiology; D004995:Ethics, Professional; D037901:Euthanasia, Animal / Q000941:ethics; D005260:Female; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000191:economics* / Q000401:mortality; D006736:Horses; D008297:Male; D008350:Manitoba / Q000453:epidemiology; D013217:Starvation / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000191:economics / Q000401:mortality / Q000662:veterinary*; D016019:Survival Analysis