Haemostatic abnormalities in horses with colic--their prognostic value.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Equine Internal Medicine
• Hematology

Background:

• Colic is a common and potentially life-threatening condition in horses.
• Coagulation disorders can complicate colic cases and impact outcomes.
• Understanding these abnormalities is crucial for effective treatment and prognosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the incidence and nature of coagulation abnormalities in horses with colic.
• To determine the prognostic value of specific coagulation parameters in equine colic.

Main Methods:

• A coagulogram, measuring eight parameters, was performed on 24 horses with colic.
• Parameters included platelet count, fibrinogen, antithrombin III (AT), partial thromboplastin time (PTT), prothrombin time (PT), thrombin clotting time (TCT), soluble fibrin monomer (SFM), and fibrin-fibrinogen degradation products (FDP).
• Retrospective analysis correlated coagulation findings with colic causes and survival outcomes.

Main Results:

• All horses exhibited at least one coagulation abnormality.
• Increased SFM (67%) and prolonged PTT (63%) were most frequent.
• Decreased AT, prolonged TCT, and prolonged PT showed the greatest difference between non-survivors and survivors, indicating significant prognostic value.
• Non-survivors had an average of five abnormal parameters, compared to two in survivors.

Conclusions:

• Coagulopathy is a consistent finding in horses with colic.
• Specific coagulation abnormalities, particularly decreased AT and prolonged clotting times, are valuable prognostic indicators in equine colic.
• The number of abnormal coagulation parameters correlates with survival outcomes in horses with colic.