Colic in a working horse population in Egypt: Prevalence and risk factors

Reasons for performing study: Colic is an important health problem in managed horse populations. Currently, there is limited information about colic prevalence and risk factors for colic in working horse populations. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of, and risk factors for, colic in a working horse population in Egypt and to describe management practices in this working horse population. Study design: Cross-sectional survey. Methods: Owners of 350 working horses were interviewed. Data about their horses, management and colic episodes in the preceding 12 months were collected. Dental examination was conducted on 342 horses and blood samples (n = 100) were collected for immunodiagnosis of tapeworm (Anoplocephala perfoliata) infection. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for a history of colic in the preceding 12 months. Results: The 12-month prevalence of colic was 54.6%. Severe and moderate tapeworm infection intensity was identified in 3% and 26% of horses tested, respectively. Horses that had severe dental disease (odds ratio [OR] 6.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.9–24.3, P<0.001), that displayed stereotypic behaviour (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.15–3.5, P = 0.013), were fed ground corn during the ‘dry season’ (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.03–2.6, P = 0.035) or that had received an anthelmintic in the previous 6 months (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.3–3.3, P = 0.003) were more likely to have a history of colic in the preceding 12 months. Horses fed on rice bran during the ‘green season’ (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.26–0.9, P = 0.015) and that displayed geophagia/coprophagia (OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.05–0.73, P = 0.001) were less likely to have a history of colic. Conclusions: Colic is common in this working horse population and this study has identified factors associated with altered likelihood of colic. The study provides important information that may be used to inform future prospective studies investigating colic in working horse populations and to assist development of preventive healthcare strategies. The Summary is available in Chinese – see Supporting information.