The prognostic importance of physiological and biochemical parameters in horses afflicted with colic.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Colic, a primary cause of illness and death in horses, necessitates the development of improved prognostic tools. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance of physiological and biochemical parameters in horses suffering from colic. METHODS: A comprehensive clinical evaluation of 117 horses included assessment of heart rate, mucous membranes, capillary refill time, rectal temperature, respiratory rate, gut motility, reflux, and limb pulse strength. RESULTS: Stomach reflux, absence of gut noises, and increased heart rate (mean increase of 12 bpm) strongly correlate with a poor prognosis. Prolonged capillary refill time (mean increase of 3 seconds), rectal temperature (over 38.5&#xb0;C), elevated packed cell volume (mean increase of 4%), and blood lactate levels (mean increase of 5 mmol/l) underscore the significance of these markers. Notably, blood lactate (< 0.001), gut noises (< 0.05), and heart rate (< 0.001) demonstrate the highest predictive significance based on statistical analysis. CONCLUSION: Future research should investigate the prognostic potential of additional parameters and assess the impact of recommended treatments on colic prognosis. This data-driven study emphasizes the critical role of early recognition and thorough assessment in colic cases, offering vital insights into improving equine healthcare and mitigating mortality rates.