Factors associated with survival in 148 recumbent horses

Recumbency decreases mare and foal survival following in-hospital dystocia management

BACKGROUND

Mare and foal survival are increased with prompt dystocia management. Data regarding mortality outcomes in mares and foals, when mares are recumbent at admission for dystocia resolution, are scarce.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate recumbency at hospital admission as a risk factor for survival of mares and foals following dystocia management. Subsequent mare fertility was also evaluated.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort.

METHODS

Data were obtained from medical records at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital of mares with dystocia between 1995 and 2018. Mare signalment, ambulation status, survival data and foaling records were collected. The proportion of mare survival and mare fertility were analysed using chi-squared tests. Foal survival was analysed using Fisher's exact test. Odds ratios were calculated using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

There were 1038 ambulatory mares and 41 recumbent mares included in the analysis. Survival rates after dystocia resolution were 90.5% (977/1079) in mares and 37.3% (402/1079) in foals. Ambulatory mares had higher odds of survival (OR 6.93, 95% CI: 3.25-14.78, p < 0.001) than recumbent mares. Foals delivered from ambulatory mares had higher odds of survival (OR 22.7, 95% CI: 3.11-165.44, p = 0.002) compared with foals delivered from recumbent mares. Fertility was not statistically different for surviving Thoroughbred mares within 3 years following dystocia resolution between ambulatory and recumbent mares.

MAIN LIMITATIONS

Retrospective study design and small case number of recumbent mares.

CONCLUSIONS

Mare and foal survival was significantly decreased when mares with dystocia were recumbent at hospital admission. Subsequent fertility, as defined for this study, of surviving mares was not affected by ambulation status at the time of dystocia resolution.

Acute Central Nervous System Trauma in the Field

Acute central nervous system (CNS) trauma in the field is best approached by a systematic and thorough physical and neurologic examination that allows the practitioner to localize the brain or spinal cord injury. The skull and vertebral canal are complex 3-dimensional structures, and orthogonal radiographic views are necessary for an accurate diagnosis. Therapeutics aimed at decreasing pain, inflammation, and edema or increased intracranial pressure in the case of traumatic brain injury should be administered. Survival and return to athleticism can be achieved even in moderate-to-severe traumatic CNS injury with appropriate medical management.

Initial testing of a computer-integrated weight compensation system for rehabilitation of horses

Management of severely injured or neurologic horses is challenging, with ambulatory support limited to static lifts and rescue slings. The aim of this study was initial testing and adjustment of a novel computer-integrated dynamic lift system, including measuring effects of increasing weight compensation (i.e. load reduction) and time attached to the lift. This automated system was developed to improve outcomes and reduce complications in horses with ambulatory difficulties, allowing for controlled mobility and varying load carried by the horse with independent front and hind limb support. Two healthy Thoroughbred horses were studied using the Anderson rescue sling. The lift was programmed to respond to weight and movement of horses. Weight compensation (% bodyweight) was incrementally increased, for front and hind limbs, to maximum percent tolerated, based on heart/respiratory rates and behavioural scoring. The time attached to the lift was then incrementally increased at maximum tolerated weight compensation previously determined. Measures included heart/respiratory rates, behavioural scoring, muscle enzyme activity and blood flow to distal limbs. Results were analysed descriptively. Avoidance behaviour was observed at front and hind end weight compensation of 18 and 4%, respectively. Average maximum time attached to the lift was 2.25 hours. After 60 minutes, respiratory rate increased >20 breaths (b)/minute, reaching 60 b/minute in one horse and 36 b/minute in the other, with shallow breathing. Other measures remained normal. In conclusion, lift programming was successful for weight compensation and mobility during lift support. Complications included avoidance behaviour and respiratory distress at >20% weight compensation, likely caused by the Anderson rescue sling. To address these limitations, a new rehabilitation harness better suited for long-term use is under development.

Description of Placement Procedures for Common Methods Used in Equine Emergency Rescue Using a Simplified Loops System

Simple Summary

Horses can become entrapped, stranded in confined spaces, exhausted, or injured and become recumbent and unable to rise. Horse can injure themselves struggling to rise and endanger the personnel trying to rescue them. Successful rescuing of these animals often requires expedient manipulations. We designed a lightweight portable kit for movement or lifting of a recumbent equine using a novel Loops System. Using an equine life size mannequin, we describe the placement procedures of the Loops System without knots, J hooks or specialized accessory devices. Five maneuvers commonly used in equine technical rescue are illustrated with step-by-step instructions for forward assist, rear assist, full body roll, rear drag, and vertical lift.

Abstract

Entrapped, stranded and recumbent equids often require emergency rescue. The success of the rescue is often affected by secondary injuries from struggling of the horse to rise and from injury secondary to attempted rescue by pulling on the head or limbs of the equid. Therefore, having ready access to simplified rescue equipment which can be easily applied would be desirable. The devices currently available for these manipulations are not always readily available at the site of an incident. Here, we describe and illustrate the step-by-step use of a Loops System consisting of 183 cm round slings, which can be positioned on the recumbent horse utilizing commercially available and reasonably priced equipment. The Loops System is basically composed of four round slings placed in such a way that utilizes the skeletal system for support. The procedures are illustrated utilizing a recumbent life-size horse model or mannequin. We suggest that the Loops System kit may allow enhanced ability for responders to provide care to a recumbent horse.

Evaluation of a Simplified Loops System for Emergency Rescue Lifting of the Stranded or Recumbent Horse

Simple Summary

Horses, once stranded or recumbent, can hurt themselves and endanger the personnel trying to rescue them. Successful rescuing of these horses often requires emergency lifting. The objective of this study is to describe a new sling system for short-term lifting of horses. This simple system, called here the Loop Vertical Lift System, or Loops System, utilizes commercially available, and reasonably priced equipment that when used correctly may save lives of stranded horses needing emergency rescue and short-term lifting.

Abstract

Stranded and recumbent equids often require emergency rescue, and a successful rescue often requires vertical lifting of the animal. Currently, the devices used for vertical lifting of equids are not readily available at an incident or urgent situation. The current study describes and evaluates the use of a simple lift device utilizing commercially available, and reasonably priced, equipment. The system, referred to as the Loop Vertical Lift System or Loops System, is basically composed of four round slings placed in such a way that utilizes the skeletal system for support. The study demonstrates the lifting of six standing, sedated adult horses for 3 min without adverse effects. In conclusion, this novel lift system is an affordable, practical and quick alternative to rescue a stranded or recumbent horse that requires a brief vertical lift of the animal. In contrast, for longer-term lifting and support, other devices such as the UC Davis Large Animal Lift, the Anderson Sling Support Device, or the Animal Rescue and Transport Sling (ARTS) should be used as deemed appropriate.

Association of Presence of Band Cells and Toxic Neutrophils with Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome and Outcome in Horses with Acute Disease

BACKGROUND

Band cells and toxic neutrophils are thought to indicate acute and severe systemic illness but no studies have investigated their importance in adult equine emergency admissions.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of band cells and toxic neutrophils with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and outcome in horses.

ANIMALS

One hundred and five adult horses admitted on emergency basis to a private primary referral practice.

METHODS

Prospective observational study with sample collection. All horses admitted on emergency basis over the study period were included in the study if they had a CBC and a blood smear collected on admission.

RESULTS

The detection of band neutrophils on admission was associated with the SIRS status of the horse (RR = 2.80; 95% CI = 1.57-4.99; P < .001) and with poor outcome (RR = 1.88; 95% CI: 1.05-3.37; P = .038). Similarly, the presence of a neutrophil toxic grade higher than 3 was associated with SIRS (RR = 1.71; 95% CI: 1.03-2.82; P = .034) and death (RR = 2.34; 95% CI: 1.22-4.50, P = .007). The information gained from the blood smear review could not be captured by looking at only the WBC or neutrophil count.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

The microscopic review of blood smears from critically ill horses to detect band cells or neutrophil toxic change is valuable and could help in assessing disease severity and prognosis in adult equine emergency admissions.