EQUINE COLIC, KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES OF HORSE HANDLERS IN THREE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS IN KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

EQUINE COLIC, KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES OF HORSE HANDLERS IN THREE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS IN KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract:

Cases of colic in horses experienced by field Veterinarians and Veterinary clinics have not been documented in the study area. A purposeful study was carried out in three Local Government Areas (LGAs) namelyIgabi, Sabon Gari and Zaria LGAs of Kaduna State, Nigeria for the documentation of such cases. Convenience sampling was used to select the stables and a Veterinary Clinic with adequate records for the purpose of the study. A 5-year retrospective study and1-year prospective study were carried out in the study area to determine the occurrence of colic in horses. Structured questionnaires were used to obtain information on the causes and recognition of clinical signs of colic, diagnostic methods employed, management practices and predisposing factors for colic from the horse owners, grooms, trainers, managers and attending veterinary personnel. The knowledgeand practices of these horse handlers were assessed using both open-ended and close-ended structured questionnaires. A 5-year review of equine medical treatment records from a Veterinary clinic and 36 selected stables was done for the retrospective study, while a 1-year prospective study was conducted in the same study area. An overall colic occurrence of 17.2% was recorded in the stables and a Veterinary Clinic. The clinical signs of colic described by horse handlers included frequent attempts to lie down and pawing (37.5%), lateral recumbency, flank watching, rolling with bruises on parts of the body (18.3%), lateral recumbency, flank watching and sweating (13.3%), kicking and biting at the abdomen (11.8%), Flehmen‟s response, blowing and sweating (10%), standing stretched out as if to urinate (5.8%), and diarrhoea (3.3%).In the retrospective study with 1540 horses involved, there was no association (ᵡ2 = 8.173; df =4; P = 0.085) between the occurrence of colic and age. There was an association (ᵡ2 = 7.079; df =2; P = 0.029) between the occurrence of colic and sex.There was an association (ᵡ2 = 10.771; df = 3; P = 0.013) between the occurrence of colic and breed.There was an association (ᵡ2 = 16.115; df = 3; P = 0.001) between the occurrence of colic and use, whereas, in the prospective study with 311 horses involved, there was an association (ᵡ2 = 10.600; df =4; P = 0.031) between the occurrence of colic and age.There was no association (ᵡ2 = 1.665; df = 2; P = 0.435) between the occurrence of colic and sex.There was no association (ᵡ2 = 3.792; df =2; P = 0.150) between the occurrence of colic and breed.There was no association (ᵡ2 = 2.656; df =4; P = 0.448) between the occurrence of colic and use. Sudden changes in hay (ᵡ2 = 43.623; df = 1; P = 0.000), concentrates (ᵡ2 = 39.079; df = 1; P = 0.000) and the use of drugs in herd management (ᵡ2 = 122.555; df = 1; P = 0.000), were identified as causes of colic. Common diagnostic approaches employed by Veterinary personnel included the use of history and physical examination without rectal palpation (77.3%); history, physical examination with rectal palpation (9.1%);history, physical examinationwith rectal palpation and post-mortem examination (13.6%). Spasmodic/simple colic (91.5%) was the common type of colic encountered. Antispasmodics (40.9%) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (27.3%)were commonly used to treat most cases of colic. Predisposing factors observed for the occurrence of colic in horses in the study area included management practices (ᵡ2 = 32.629; df = 3; P = 0.000) and dental health care (ᵡ2 = 9.903; df = 1; P = 0.002). The study concluded that the occurrence of colic in horses is common in the study area and various causes were identified which were change in hay and concentrate fed, the use of drugs such as albendazole, ivermectin and imidocarb. It is recommended that sudden changes in feed be avoided and regular feeding schedules be maintained.Also,horse keepers are advised to consult with more experienced veterinarians before the use of drugs in the treatment of horses.

EQUINE COLIC, KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES OF HORSE HANDLERS IN THREE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS IN KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA