New Studies Focus on Equine Colic
Colic is a major concern for horse owners, and 4% to 10% of horses will experience colic at least once in their lifetime. A 1998 study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal Health Monitoring System determined that 1.2% of colic cases require surgical intervention and about 11% were fatal. The study also estimated that approximately $115 million was spent on colic in 1998. Currently, colic surgery can cost $4,000 to $10,000, and medical management is also expensive, typically ranging from $2,000 to $5,000. Colic is a topic that needs further research, to help preserve the health of and advance veterinary care for affected horses. For this reason, Morris Animal Foundation recently announced that five new equine health studies that focus on colic will receive funding in 2022.
About Morris Animal Foundation
Founded in 1948 by Dr. Mark L. Morris Sr., the organization’s mission is to advance animal health by bridging science and resources. The foundation currently has invested more than $142 million in nearly 3,000 studies to help animals around the world. Its Large Animal Scientific Advisory Board reviewed all grant applications, and, based on scientific merit and impact, selected those studies that would have the greatest potential to advance equine health. In addition, the studies were evaluated by the foundation’s Animal Welfare Advisory Board to ensure strict standards for health and wellbeing were met.
Studying intestinal inflammation
Postoperative ileus (POI)—a decrease in gastrointestinal motility after surgery—is a serious complication in equine patients. More than 37% of horses who develop POI following small intestinal resection do not survive, and those who do have a more difficult time recovering and have prolonged hospitalization times. POI pathophysiology appears to involve a neurogenic phase, which is followed and exacerbated by an inflammatory phase. The exact cause of POI has not been determined, but perioperative care, such as opioid therapy, inappropriate fluid therapy, and electrolyte imbalances, has been implicated. Currently, treatment for POI involves non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications to reduce inflammation, lidocaine as a prokinetic therapy, and an early return to feeding to induce physiological motility. However, POI management remains controversial because further understanding of the condition is needed. Morris Foundation is funding two research teams to investigate the interaction between inflammation and gut motility. Each team will take a different approach to explore the issue in an effort to develop ways to prevent ileus after colic surgery..
Colic secondary to transport
Horses who are transported, especially over long distances, are at greater risk for colic. Impaction of the large colon is the most common type of colic seen during and after transportation, and enterocolitis also has been associated with transport stress. The stress, which is caused by issues such as isolation, confinement, noise, vibration, and balance problems, affects horses mentally and physically and results in health problems before, during, and after travel. Other factors that put a horse at greater risk for colic include dehydration, which can lead to intestinal impaction, and changes in diet and feeding regimens. However, these issues have not been closely examined. The Morris Foundation will fund researchers investigating colic risk factors associated with transport to develop better management strategies for horses requiring transport.
Helping underserved communities recognize colic
The sooner a colicky horse is treated, the better their chances are of surviving. However, horse owners in underserved communities typically are not educated on how to recognize colic, which results in delayed treatment. Researchers will develop an educational program for horse owners and enthusiasts in underserved communities in Colombia to help increase early recognition of colic and improve outcomes. They hope to reduce the instance of critical cases by highlighting the early signs of colic such as:
- Restlessness or agitation — Attempting to lie down, repeatedly rolling, sweating for no apparent reason, circling
- Eating less or reduced droppings — Eating less or not eating, passing less or no feces, changes in the consistency of feces
- Abdominal pain — Flank watching, pawing, kicking at the belly
- Clinical changes — Increased heart rate, reduced or absent gut sounds, changes in gum color, rapid breathing, skin abrasions over the eyes
- Tired or lethargic — Lying down more, lowered head position, dull and depressed
Prognostic test for postoperative complications
Postoperative complications following colic surgery can lead to patient discomfort, prolonged hospitalization, increased cost, and a poorer prognosis for survival. The five most common postoperative complications are jugular thrombosis, ileus, wound suppuration, incisional herniation, and colic. Researchers will search for biomarkers to identify horses at higher risk for these complications to help develop a prognostic test.
Colic is a significant and potentially life-threatening issue, and this funding by Morris Animal Foundation will support important research to better understand and develop management strategies to provide improved care for equine patients.
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