Clinical features and prognostic variables in 109 horses with esophageal obstruction (1992-2009).
BACKGROUND
Esophageal obstruction is common in horses and can result in life-threatening complications. Previous studies have described clinical findings in horses with esophageal obstruction, but there are no reports that attempt to make correlations of clinical findings with outcome.


OBJECTIVE
Specific clinical features of horses with esophageal obstruction are associated with increased likelihood of complications.


METHODS
One hundred and nine horses with esophageal obstruction.


METHODS
Retrospective cross-sectional study. All clinical records of horses admitted between April 1992 and February 2009 for esophageal obstruction were reviewed. The association among 24 clinical, hematological, biochemical, therapeutic variables and the likelihood of complications was investigated by a univariable logistic regression model, followed by multivariable analysis.


RESULTS
Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that intact males (P= .02), age >15 years (P < .01), and a need for general anesthesia (P < .01) were associated with the development of complications after an episode of esophageal obstruction. Increased respiratory rate (>22 breaths/min) and moderate or severe tracheal contamination, although not associated with complications as a whole, significantly increased the risk of developing aspiration pneumonia (P≤ .01).


CONCLUSIONS
Signalment, clinical variables, and endoscopic findings were confirmed as important tools in assessing the severity of the esophageal lesion and pulmonary involvement. Knowledge of risk factors for the development of complications will aid in making informed decisions to optimize treatment and assist in the assessment of prognosis.
Chiavaccini
L
L
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
Hassel
D M
DM
D000075:Acepromazine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D018492:Dopamine Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004935:Esophageal Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology*; D006736:Horses; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D018492:Dopamine Antagonists; D000075:Acepromazine