Estimate of the national incidence of and operation-level risk factors for colic among horses in the United States, spring 1998 to spring 1999

Abstract

Objective - To estimate the national incidence of, operation-level risk factors for, and annual economic impact of colic among horses in the United States during 1998 and 1999 Design - Epidemiologie survey. Animals - 21,820 horses on 1,026 horse operations in 28 states. Procedures - Horses were monitored for colic for 1 year, and results were recorded in a log that was collected quarterly. Operation-level data were collected via 4 on-site personal interviews. Associations between colic and independent variables adjusted for size of operation were determined. Results - Annual national incidence of colic in the US horse population was estimated to be 4.2 colic events/100 horses per year. Case fatality rate was 11%, and 1.4% of colic events resulted in surgery. Annual cost of colic in the Unites States was estimated to be $115,300,000. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance - The national impact of equine colic is substantial because of the high case fatality rate.