Journal of Veterinary Science

The Korean Society of Veterinary Science (대한수의학회)
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A cross-sectional study of colic and rate of return to racing in Thoroughbreds at Seoul Racecourse in Korea between 2010 and 2020

  • Seung-Ho Ryu (Department of Equine Resources Science, Cheju Halla University) ;
  • Yongwoo Sohn (Veterinary Department, Korea Racing Authority) ;
  • Eliot Forbes (Steering Committee, International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses) ;
  • Hyung Seon Jeon (Veterinary Department, Korea Racing Authority) ;
  • Sung Jun An (Department of Intelligent System Engineering, Cheju Halla University) ;
  • Byung Sun Kim (Department of Equine Science, Cheju Halla University) ;
  • Soon-Goo Kyung (Veterinary Department, Korea Racing Authority) ;
  • Inhyung Lee (Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University)
  • Received : 2023.07.14
  • Accepted : 2023.09.26
  • Published : 2023.11.30
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Abstract

Background: The incidence of colic and the outcomes of colic surgery have not been surveyed in racetracks in Korea. Objectives: This study examined the incidence, mortality, and case fatality of colic and investigated the effects of age and sex after an exploratory celiotomy on the long-term survival rate (return to racing), subsequent racing performance, and career longevity. Methods: The incidence, mortality, and case fatalities of colic were examined over an 11-year period. The records of 40 horses that had undergone a celiotomy, after participating in at least one race and 75 race-matched control horses were analyzed. The racing performance and career length of the horses that returned to racing post-surgery were compared with a control group. Results: The annual incidence, fatality rate of colic, and annual mortality rate at Seoul Racecourse were 6.5, 2.8 per 100 horse-years, and 0.2 deaths cases per 100 horse-years, respectively. Of the 40 horses that underwent colic surgery, 26 (65%) returned to racing. The likelihood of returning to racing decreased with increasing age of the horses, and geldings had a lower probability of returning. While the performance in the five preoperative races between the two groups was not significantly different, a significant decrease in racing performance was observed after the surgery date (p < 0.01). Horses that underwent colic surgery did not show a significant decrease in career length. Conclusions: Surgical treatment for colic at the age of three and four years had a negative impact on the racing performance. On the other hand, there was no significant difference in career longevity between the two groups.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

The authors thank all veterinarians and staff of the Korea Racing Authority who participated in colic surgeries for 11 years.

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