Drs Dallap Schaer and Aceto contributed equally to the production of this manuscript
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Standard Article
Identification of Predictors of Salmonella Shedding in Adult Horses Presented for Acute Colic
Article first published online: 8 AUG 2012
DOI: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2012.00984.x
Copyright © 2012 by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Issue
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Volume 26, Issue 5, pages 1177–1185, September–October 2012
Additional Information
How to Cite
Dallap Schaer, B.L., Aceto, H., Caruso, M.A. and Brace, M.A. (2012), Identification of Predictors of Salmonella Shedding in Adult Horses Presented for Acute Colic. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 26: 1177–1185. doi: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2012.00984.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 14 SEP 2012
- Article first published online: 8 AUG 2012
- Manuscript Accepted: 26 JUN 2012
- Manuscript Revised: 23 MAY 2012
- Manuscript Received: 7 MAR 2011
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- Biosecurity;
- Colic;
- Gastroenterology;
- Gastrointestinal;
- Infection control;
- Patient surveillance
Background
Colic has been associated with shedding of Salmonella. Horses with salmonellosis typically develop diarrhea, fever, and leukopenia. Overlooking additional predictors may result in failure to detect shedding horses and increase environmental contamination.
Objectives
Evaluate associations between signalment and clinicopathologic data during early hospitalization and Salmonella shedding in horses treated for acute colic.
Animals
Horses with acute colic admitted to a referral hospital. A total of 59 horses shedding Salmonella compared to 108 Salmonella-negative horses.
Methods
Retrospective case-control study evaluating patient and Salmonella culture data. Associations between variables and Salmonella shedding were identified using logistic regression. Two multivariable models were developed pertaining to (1) information available within 24 hours of admission and (2) clinical findings that developed later during hospitalization.
Results
Variables retained for multivariable model 1 indicated that Warmbloods and Arabians had increased odds for shedding Salmonella, as did horses requiring surgery (OR, 2.52; 95% CI, 1.10–5.75) or having more severe gastrointestinal disease (OR, 2.59; 95% CI, 1.08–6.20). Retained variables for model 2 demonstrated that horses that were treated surgically (OR, 1.60; 95% CI, 0.70–3.62), developed fever >103°F (OR, 2.70; 95% CI, 0.92–7.87), had abnormal leukocyte count (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 0.61–3.09), or became inappetent and lethargic (OR, 16.69; 95% CI, 4.08–68.24) had increased odds for shedding Salmonella.
Conclusions and Clinical Importance
In horses with acute colic that present without signs of diarrhea, fever, or leukopenia, additional predictors associated with shedding Salmonella could be used to more promptly identify horses likely to shed organisms.