OBJECTIVE

To compare long-term outcome of Salmonella-positive versus Salmonella-negative horses discharged from hospital after colic surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case-control.

ANIMALS

Horses discharged from the hospital after colic surgery. For each horse with positive culture for Salmonella enterica (SAL-POS, n = 59), at least 2 horses testing negative for S. enterica (SAL-NEG, n = 119) were enrolled.

METHODS

Owners were interviewed via phone at least 12 months after surgery regarding: (1) complications after discharge from the hospital; (2) duration of survival; and (3) return to prior or intended use. Association between immediate postoperative clinical variables such as Salmonella status and long-term measures of outcome was tested via ratios (odds ratio [OR]) and 95% confidence intervals. Data were analyzed for survival using a Cox proportional hazards model and for return to use using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

SAL-POS horses had a higher OR of surgical site infection (2.7 [1.1-6.9] P = .027) and weight loss (6.8 [1.8-26.1] P = .002). At the time of follow-up, there were 53/56 (95%) SAL-POS and 99/118 (84%) SAL-NEG horses alive. The final multivariable model for nonsurvival included postoperative colic (hazard ratio 7.6 [2.8-19.2] P = .002) and the interaction between Salmonella status and duration of rectal temperature > 103°F postoperatively (SAL-POS 1.04 [1.01-1.07] and SAL-NEG 1.16 [1.06-1.25], P = .005). The majority of horses returned to their intended use regardless of their SAL-POS (38/50, 76%) or SAL-NEG (77/96, 80%, P = .498) status.

CONCLUSION

Salmonella-positive horses that survive to discharge from the hospital after colic surgery have similar risks of long-term complications (colic/diarrhea), survival, and return to function than Salmonella-negative horses.