Factors Predisposing to Colic (16-Dec-2003)

1. Breed The evidence regarding association of breed with colic has been conflicting. Arabians have been identified as being at increased risk of colic from several studies (Reeves et al. 1989; Cohen et al. 1995; Reeves et al. 1996; Schmid et al. 2002). Other reports have indicated that Thoroughbred horses may be at increased risk of colic (Hudson et al. 2000; Traub-Dargatz et al. 2001). Standardbred horses have been suggested to be either at increased risk of colic (Sembrat 1975) or decreased risk for surgical colic (Schmid et al. 2002). These differences may reflect variation among studies in the reference population of horses studied, study methods, and failure to account for confounding factors (such as differences among breeds in feeding and exercise practices). 2. Sex There is no clear evidence for a predisposition to colic for any sex when considering colic overall. Stallions were suggested to be at increased risk of colic in a study from Michigan, and geldings were reputed to be at increased risk for recurrent colic in a study from Texas. Other studies from the United States have found no association of sex with colic. It is possible that there are types of colic for which sex is associated with colic. For example, male horses have been identified as being at increased risk of entrapment of small intestine in the epiploic foramen. 3. Age In general, it appears that older horses are at increased risk of colic, but results vary among studies. Some reports have indicated horses < 10 year of age are at increased risk of colic A nation-wide study in the United States indicated that foals (horses < 6 months of age) were at decreased risk. Evidence exists from multiple other studies that the risk of colic increases with increasing age. Differences among these studies in design, population of horses studied, and methods of data analysis likely explain these conflicting results. 4. Anamnesis A number of studies indicate that horses with previous history of colic are at increased risk for developing colic. In addition, horses that have previously undergone surgery for colic are at increased risk of developing colic.