Clinical and biochemical factors associated with survival in equids attacked by dogs: 28 cases (2008-2016)

Abstract

Background: Trauma from dog attacks has been associated with mortality rates as high as 23% in some species. However, the prognosis and clinical features of this type of injury have not been described in equids. Hypotheses/Objectives: To describe survival rate, signalment, clinical features, and biochemical results in equids presented for emergency care after presumed dog attacks. We hypothesized there would be differences between survivors and nonsurvivors. Animals: A total of 28 equids presented for presumed dog attacks from 3 referral centers. Methods: A retrospective study was performed using data from 3 hospitals between 2008 and 2016. Survival was defined as survival at 14 days postdischarge. Variables were compared between survivors and nonsurvivors using a t test, Mann-Whitney U test, or Fisher's exact test as appropriate. Results: Overall mortality rate was 21%. Ponies and miniature horses represented 16/28 (57%) of the animals in the study. Full-sized equids had a lower risk of nonsurvival as compared to smaller patients (odds ratio = 0.02; 95% confidence intervals = 0.00-0.27; P