Veterinary Science & Technology

Study on Major Causes of Equine Colic at the Donkey Sanctuary and SPANA Clinic in Bishoftu Town

Abstract

Birtukan Tadesse and Birhanu Abera

A case series study was conducted between December 2009 and April 2010 at the donkey sanctuary and SPANA clinics in Bishoftu town to determine the major causes of equine colic. During the study period a total of 121 (9.1%) episodes of colic were recorded in a population of 1336 equine (800 horses, 500 donkeys and 36 mules). From the total cases 93 (11.6%) and 28 (5.6%) were horses and donkeys, respectively. No mule was observed with colic problem. The proportion of colic cases in horses was significantly (p=0.0003) higher than that of donkeys. The major risk factors found associated with colic were feed change, parasite infestation and poor deworming history, enteroliths, heavy work, age and dental abnormalities (P<0.05) in the cases. Physical and clinical examination of the colic cases showed elevated respiratory and pulse rates, congested mucous membrane, increased mean of PVC-value, decreased appetite, abdominal distension, poor body condition, intermittent and continuous abdominal pain and dullness. Donkey were more commonly affected with impaction colic (78.6%) and less commonly with flatulent colic (21.4%). The most important colic identified in horses was spasmodic colic (66.7%) followed by impaction colic (25.8%) and undefined colic (7.6%). In conclusion, improving feeding management, implementing parasite control strategies and raising the awareness of the owners of equids are needed in order to prevent the impact of the diseases on equine production.