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Retrospective case series to identify the most common conditions seen ‘out-of-hours’ by first-opinion equine veterinary practitioners

Boynova, Polina; Bowden, Adelle; Boynova, P.N.; England, Gary C W; Brennan, Marnie Louise; Mair, Tim S; Furness, Wendy A; Freeman, Sarah L; Burford, John H

Retrospective case series to identify the most common conditions seen ‘out-of-hours’ by first-opinion equine veterinary practitioners Thumbnail


Authors

Polina Boynova

P.N. Boynova

GARY ENGLAND gary.england@nottingham.ac.uk
Foundation Dean & Prof Comparative Veterinary Reproduction

Tim S Mair

Wendy A Furness

SARAH FREEMAN sarah.freeman@nottingham.ac.uk
Professor of Veterinary Surgery



Abstract

Background: The study aim was to describe conditions seen 'out-of-hours' in equine practice. Methods: This was a retrospective case series of first opinion 'out-of-hours' cases seen at two equine practices between 2011 and 2013. Data were retrieved on case presentation, diagnostic testing, treatment administered and outcome, and diseases categorised using a systems-based coding system. A hierarchical logistic regression, formulated using a generalised linear model, was used to identify clinical variables associated with a binary outcome of 'critical' cases (required hospitalisation or euthanasia or died). Results: Data from 2602 cases were analysed. The most common reasons for 'out-of-hours' visits were colic (35 per cent, n=923/2620), wounds (20 per cent, n=511/2620) and lameness (11 per cent, n=288/2,620). The majority of cases required a single treatment (58 per cent, n=1475/2550), 26 per cent (n=656/2550) needed multiple treatments and 13 per cent (n=339/2550) were euthanased. Eighteen per cent (n=480/2602) of cases had a critical outcome. Increased heart rate at primary presentation was associated with critical outcome in both practices (Practice A, OR 1.07 (95 per cent confidence interval 1.06 to 1.09), Practice B OR 1.08 (95 per cent confidence interval 1.07 to 1.09; p<0.001)). Conclusion; Colic, wounds and lameness were the most common equine 'out-of-hours' conditions; 13 per cent of cases were euthanased. Further research is required into out-of-hours euthanasia decision-making.

Citation

Boynova, P., Bowden, A., Boynova, P., England, G. C. W., Brennan, M. L., Mair, T. S., …Burford, J. H. (2020). Retrospective case series to identify the most common conditions seen ‘out-of-hours’ by first-opinion equine veterinary practitioners. Veterinary Record, 187(10), 404-404. https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.105880

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jun 11, 2020
Online Publication Date Jul 27, 2020
Publication Date 2020-11
Deposit Date Jun 25, 2020
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal Veterinary Record
Electronic ISSN 2042-7670
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 187
Issue 10
Pages 404-404
DOI https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.105880
Keywords equine, horse, emergency, out-of-hours, case series, veterinary practice
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/4710122
Publisher URL https://bvajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1136/vr.105880
Additional Information This article has been accepted for publication in Veterinary Record, 2020 following peer review, and the Version of Record can be accessed online at http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/vr.105880

© British Veterinary Association 2020. No commercial re-use.

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