The prognostic importance of physiological and biochemical parameters in horses afflicted with colic.

BACKGROUND

Colic, a primary cause of illness and death in horses, necessitates the development of improved prognostic tools.

AIM

The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance of physiological and biochemical parameters in horses suffering from colic.

METHODS

A comprehensive clinical evaluation of 117 horses included assessment of heart rate, mucous membranes, capillary refill time, rectal temperature, respiratory rate, gut motility, reflux, and limb pulse strength.

RESULTS

Stomach reflux, absence of gut noises, and increased heart rate (mean increase of 12 bpm) strongly correlate with a poor prognosis. Prolonged capillary refill time (mean increase of 3 seconds), rectal temperature (over 38.5°C), elevated packed cell volume (mean increase of 4%), and blood lactate levels (mean increase of 5 mmol/l) underscore the significance of these markers. Notably, blood lactate ( < 0.001), gut noises ( < 0.05), and heart rate ( < 0.001) demonstrate the highest predictive significance based on statistical analysis.

CONCLUSION

Future research should investigate the prognostic potential of additional parameters and assess the impact of recommended treatments on colic prognosis. This data-driven study emphasizes the critical role of early recognition and thorough assessment in colic cases, offering vital insights into improving equine healthcare and mitigating mortality rates.