Estimate of the national incidence of and operation-level risk factors for colic among horses in the United States, spring 1998 to spring 1999. |
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| Authors: | J L Traub-Dargatz C A Kopral A H Seitzinger L P Garber K Forde N A White |
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| Affiliation: | Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA. |
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| 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: Epidemiologic 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 United 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. |
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