Short-Term Survival and Postoperative Complications Rates in Horses Undergoing Colic Surgery: A Multicentre Study.
Authors: Spadari Alessandro, Gialletti Rodolfo, Gandini Marco, Valle Emanuela, Cerullo Anna, Cavallini Damiano, Bertoletti Alice, Rinnovati Riccardo, Forni Giulia, Scilimati Nicola, Giusto Gessica
Journal: Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
Summary
# Editorial Summary Colic surgery remains one of the most challenging procedures in equine practice, yet little is known about outcome predictors across different surgical centres in Europe. Researchers across three Italian referral hospitals analysed 451 colic cases (2018–2021) using univariate and multivariable logistic regression to identify factors influencing short-term survival and postoperative complications. Overall survival reached 68.5% of all surgical candidates (80% among those recovering from anaesthesia), with packed cell volume (PCV) at admission, total plasma protein (TPP) after surgery, and body condition score emerging as the strongest predictive variables—alongside age, lesion type, reflux volume, surgical duration, and fluid management protocols. Pre- and postoperative haematological and biochemical parameters, combined with clinicopathological data, therefore warrant careful assessment when counselling owners on prognosis, particularly where these key markers fall outside optimal ranges. These findings provide contemporary UK and European equine surgeons with evidence-based benchmarks for risk stratification, enabling more accurate case selection and improved informed consent conversations with clients facing colic surgery decisions.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Monitor PCV, TPP, and BCS carefully as these three parameters have the highest predictive value for post-colic surgery survival—use them to set realistic expectations with owners
- •Surgical experience matters: outcomes were influenced by surgeon experience level, suggesting referral to experienced surgeons improves prognosis
- •Preoperative and postoperative fluid management significantly affects survival; ensure appropriate fluid therapy protocols are established before and after surgery
Key Findings
- •Overall survival rate was 68.5% in all horses undergoing colic surgery and 80% in horses surviving anaesthesia
- •PCV (packed cell volume) at arrival, TPP (total plasma protein) after surgery, and BCS (body condition score) were the strongest predictors of short-term survival
- •Age, reflux volume, disease type, lesion type, surgery duration, surgeon experience, and perioperative fluid administration all significantly influenced survival probability
- •This multicentre Italian study provides regional prognostic data to help surgeons counsel owners on colic surgery outcomes