Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston CH64 7TE, UK.
Prev Vet Med. 2011 Sep 1;101(3-4):204-18. doi: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2011.06.002. Epub 2011 Jul 5.
Geriatric horses (aged≥15 years) now represent a substantial proportion of the equine population, yet mortality rates for aged horses in the UK have not previously been described. Although post-mortem studies have provided some data regarding specific causes of death, "old age" is a common owner-reported reason for euthanasia of adult horses, indicating further elucidation of reasons for death or euthanasia is required for the geriatric equine population. The objective of this cohort study was to describe mortality rates, causes of death or euthanasia and factors associated with mortality in geriatric horses and ponies. Veterinary registered horses randomly selected for a cross-sectional questionnaire survey on geriatric health were enrolled in the cohort study (n=908). Follow-up information was obtained over an 18-month period via telephone questionnaires and mortality questionnaires, providing data regarding reasons for death or euthanasia, were completed for 118 cases of mortality. Overall and stratified mortality rates were calculated and Cox proportional hazards models were used to investigate risk factors associated with mortality. The majority (94%) of mortalities were euthanised, most frequently due to lameness (24%) and colic (21%). Veterinary advice was important in owner decision making regarding euthanasia of cases of colic or other acute illnesses, while poor quality of life was considered an important factor where euthanasia was due to chronic diseases or lameness. Overall mortality rate was 11.1 (95% C.I. 9.2-13.2) per 100 horse-years at risk, with the mortality rate of animals >30 years of age over five times the rate in horses aged 15-19 years. On multivariable analysis, increasing age was associated with increasing mortality and Cob/Cob crossbreeds and Thoroughbred/Thoroughbred crossbreeds had an increased risk of mortality. Horses considered to be underweight had a greater risk of mortality than those in good condition. Increasing number of owner-reported clinical signs and the degree to which pain was reported to limit normal daily activities were associated with increased risk of mortality. The results of this study provide useful information about rates and factors associated with mortality in geriatric horses in the UK, which should be relevant to veterinary surgeons involved in the treatment of aged horses.
老年马（年龄≥15 岁）现在占马群的很大一部分，但英国老年马的死亡率以前从未描述过。虽然尸检研究提供了一些关于特定死亡原因的数据，但“年老”是成年马安乐死的常见主人报告原因，这表明需要进一步阐明老年马群死亡或安乐死的原因。本队列研究的目的是描述老年马和矮马的死亡率、死亡或安乐死的原因以及与死亡率相关的因素。随机选择参加老年健康横断面问卷调查的兽医注册马被纳入队列研究（n=908）。通过电话问卷调查和死亡率问卷调查获得了 18 个月的随访信息，为 118 例死亡提供了死亡或安乐死的原因数据。计算了总体和分层死亡率，并使用 Cox 比例风险模型调查了与死亡率相关的危险因素。大多数（94%）死亡是安乐死，最常见的原因是跛行（24%）和腹痛（21%）。兽医建议在因腹痛或其他急性疾病而对病例进行安乐死的主人决策中很重要，而在因慢性疾病或跛行而安乐死的情况下，生活质量差被认为是一个重要因素。总体死亡率为每 100 匹马年风险 11.1（95%CI 9.2-13.2），30 岁以上动物的死亡率是 15-19 岁马的五倍以上。多变量分析显示，年龄越大，死亡率越高，Cob/Cob 杂种和纯血马/纯血马杂种的死亡率增加。被认为体重不足的马比状况良好的马死亡率更高。报告的临床症状数量增加以及报告疼痛限制正常日常活动的程度与死亡率增加相关。本研究的结果提供了有关英国老年马死亡率及相关因素的有用信息，这对于参与老年马治疗的兽医来说应该是相关的。
