Risk factors for colic in equids hospitalized for ocular disease.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the incidence of colic and risk factors for colic in equids hospitalized for ocular disease.


METHODS
Retrospective observational study. Animals-337 equids (317 horses, 19 ponies, and 1 donkey) hospitalized for ocular disease.


METHODS
Medical records of equids hospitalized for > 24 hours for treatment of ocular disease between January 1997 and December 2008 were reviewed. Information from only the first hospitalization was used for equids that were hospitalized for ocular disease on more than 1 occasion. Information gathered included the signalment, the type of ocular lesion and the treatment administered, and any colic signs recorded during hospitalization as well as the severity, presumptive diagnosis, and treatment of the colic. Statistical analysis was used to identify any risk factors for colic in equids hospitalized for ocular disease.


RESULTS
72 of 337 (21.4%) equids hospitalized for ocular disease had signs of colic during hospitalization. Most equids (59.7% [43/72]) had mild signs of colic, and most (87.5% [63/72]) were treated medically. Ten of 72 (13.9%) equids with colic had a cecal impaction. Risk factors for colic in equids hospitalized for ocular disease were age (0 to 1 year and ≥ 21 years) and an increased duration of hospitalization (≥ 8 days).


CONCLUSIONS
There was a high incidence of colic in equids hospitalized with ocular disease in this study. Findings from this study may help identify equids at risk for development of colic and thereby help direct implementation of prophylactic measures.
Department of Large Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
Leah A
LA
Patipa
Ceri E
CE
Sherlock
Stefan H
SH
Witte
George D
GD
Pirie
Roy D
RD
Berghaus
John F
JF
Peroni
D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D003085:Colic / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D018397:Equidae; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000601:surgery; D006736:Horses; D006760:Hospitalization; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors