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

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., Furness, W. A., Freeman, S. L., & 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: Jul 27, 2020
• Journal: Veterinary Record
• Print ISSN: 0042-4900
• Electronic ISSN: 2042-7670
• Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group
• 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.