Indicators of 'critical' outcomes in 941 horses seen 'out-of-hours' for colic.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to describe the presentation and outcomes of horses with signs of colic (abdominal pain) seen 'out-of-hours' in equine practice. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of horses seen 'out-of-hours' with colic by two equine veterinary practices between 2011 and 2013. Case outcomes were categorised as 'critical' or 'not critical'. A critical outcome was defined as requiring medical or surgical hospital treatment, or resulting in euthanasia or death. A non-critical outcome was defined as resolving with simple medical treatment. A hierarchical generalised linear model was used to identify 'red flag' parameters (aspects of signalment, history and presenting clinical signs) associated with critical outcomes. RESULTS: Data were retrieved from 941 cases that presented with colic; 23.9 per cent (n=225/941) were critical. Variables significantly associated with the likelihood of a critical outcome in the final multivariable model were increased heart rate (P<0.001), age of the horse (P=0.013) and abnormal mucous membrane colour (P<0.001). Overall 18 per cent (n=168/941) of cases were euthanased. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the mortality associated with colic. The 'red flag' parameters identified should be considered an essential component of the primary assessment of horses with colic.

Retrospective case series to identify the most common conditions seen 'out-of-hours' by first-opinion equine veterinary practitioners.

BACKGROUND: The study aim was to describe conditions seen 'out-of-hours' in equine practice. METHODS: This was a retrospective case series of first opinion 'out-of-hours' cases seen at two equine practices between 2011 and 2013. Data were retrieved on case presentation, diagnostic testing, treatment administered and outcome, and diseases categorised using a systems-based coding system. A hierarchical logistic regression, formulated using a generalised linear model, was used to identify clinical variables associated with a binary outcome of 'critical' cases (required hospitalisation or euthanasia or died). RESULTS: Data from 2602 cases were analysed. The most common reasons for 'out-of-hours' visits were colic (35 per cent, n=923/2620), wounds (20 per cent, n=511/2620) and lameness (11 per cent, n=288/2,620). The majority of cases required a single treatment (58 per cent, n=1475/2550), 26 per cent (n=656/2550) needed multiple treatments and 13 per cent (n=339/2550) were euthanased. Eighteen per cent (n=480/2602) of cases had a critical outcome. Increased heart rate at primary presentation was associated with critical outcome in both practices (Practice A, OR 1.07 (95 per cent confidence interval 1.06 to 1.09), Practice B OR 1.08 (95 per cent confidence interval 1.07 to 1.09; p<0.001)). CONCLUSION: Colic, wounds and lameness were the most common equine 'out-of-hours' conditions; 13 per cent of cases were euthanased. Further research is required into out-of-hours euthanasia decision-making.