A farm-based prospective study of equine colic incidence and associated risk factors

Abdominal pain (colic) in the horse is one of the most acute problems facing equine practitioners. Several causes and risk factors are associated with colic. The current study evaluated the incidence and associated risk factors of colic during a 1-year evaluation in horse farms of Kerman, Iran. The study investigated age, sex, breed, anthelmintic control program, and nutritional status of 128 horses of four breeds on six farms that took part in the study. The mean incidence density rate of colic in the horse population was 8.6% (11/128) in a year. Crossbred horses had more chance of developing colic (P < .05). Horses between the ages of 2 and 10 years also had more risk of developing colic (P < .05). There was no significant difference between sexes (P < .05), and nutritional factors were the most associated risk factors in the cases under study.