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Serum cortisol concentrations in horses with colic
T S Mair1, C E Sherlock1, L A Boden2
1Bell Equine Veterinary Clinic, Mereworth, Maidstone, Kent ME18 5GS, UK.
Veterinary Journal (London, England : 1997)
|July 3, 2014
Summary
Colic in horses is linked to higher serum total cortisol concentrations (STCCs). Elevated STCCs correlate with more severe colic signs and may aid in prognosis, though further research is needed.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Endocrinology
- Equine Health
Background:
- Limited research exists on cortisol levels in horses experiencing colic.
- In human medicine, high cortisol levels in septic shock indicate increased mortality risk.
- Cortisol's role in equine colic severity and prognosis requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare serum total cortisol concentrations (STCCs) between horses with and without colic.
- To determine if STCCs correlate with the pathological nature or outcome of equine colic.
- To assess the diagnostic and prognostic value of STCCs in horses with colic.
Main Methods:
- Serum total cortisol concentrations (STCCs) were measured in horses presenting with colic and in healthy controls.
- Horses with colic were categorized by clinical signs, pathological findings, treatment, and outcome.
- Statistical analysis, including logistic regression, was used to evaluate the relationship between STCCs and colic presence/severity.
Main Results:
- Horses with colic were more likely to have elevated STCCs (≥200 nmol/L) compared to controls.
- Colic cases with STCCs ≥200 nmol/L exhibited more severe clinical signs and higher heart rates (>45 bpm).
- Higher STCCs were associated with moderate to severe colic presentations.
Conclusions:
- Equine colic is associated with elevated serum total cortisol concentrations.
- Increased STCCs in horses with colic appear to be linked to disease severity.
- STCCs may offer valuable prognostic information for equine colic, but careful interpretation is advised due to variability.
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