Evaluation of low-molecular-weight heparin for the prevention of equine laminitis after colic surgery.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is to describe the prevalence of postoperative laminitis in colic cases and to determine if low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) is effective in preventing this complication.


METHODS
Retrospective clinical study.


METHODS
Client-owned horses. Interventions- SC administration of enoxaparin during the postoperative period.


RESULTS
Medical records of 360 horses undergoing surgery for colic and surviving at least 3 days were evaluated. Fifty-six horses admitted before 1995 did not receive LMWH (control group) and 304 admitted after 1995 received LMWH as a prophylaxis for laminitis (treatment group). Three grades of severity were defined for laminitis. Prevalence and severity of laminitis were compared between the 2 groups. Several parameters recorded on admission (sex, age, breed, site and nature of the disease, heart rate, PCV, gravity score, and shock score) and the administration of LMWH were tested as risk factors in the development of laminitis in a logistic regression procedure. Prevalence and grade of laminitis were significantly lower in the treatment group. Only the absence of LMWH was recognized as a significant risk factor in the logistic regression model.


CONCLUSIONS
The administration of LMWH appears to be effective in the prophylaxis of laminitis following colic surgery and may be useful in the postoperative management of these horses.
de la Rebière de Pouyade
Geoffroy
G
Department of Clinical Sciences, Large Animal Surgery, University of Liège, Sart Tilman, 4000 Liège, Belgium. G.delaRebieredePouyade@ulg.ac.be
Grulke
Sigrid
S
Detilleux
Johann
J
Salciccia
Alexandra
A
Verwilghen
Denis R
DR
Caudron
Isabelle
I
Gangl
Monika
M
Serteyn
Didier D A
DD
D000818:Animals; D003085:Colic / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D005534:Foot Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006724:Hoof and Claw; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006736:Horses; D007249:Inflammation / Q000662:veterinary*; D016015:Logistic Models; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000662:veterinary*
D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight