Daily Serum Cortisol Concentrations in Horses With Colic Requiring Exploratory Celiotomy

Horses that survive to discharge have serum cortisol concentrations that gradually decrease during hospitalization and are significantly lower on the day of discharge than they were at admission. In contrast, horses that do not survive to discharge have persistently high serum cortisol levels that remain elevated on the day of death or euthanasia. Evaluation of serum cortisol concentrations daily in horses after exploratory celiotomy could assist with assessment and prognostication of the patient. Authors’ addresses: Bell Equine Veterinary Clinic, Butchers Lane, Mereworth, Kent, ME18 5GS United Kingdom (Mair); and Department of Large Animal Medicine, University of Georgia, 501 DW Brooks Drive, Athens, Georgia 30602-7385 (Sherlock); e-mail: [email protected] (Sherlock). © 2009 AAEP. *Presenting author.