Equine Surgery and Medicine Intern Louisiana State University College of Veterinary Medicine Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Rapid decision making in horses with acute colic is critical, but diagnostics do not always lead to a clear recommendation of surgical versus medical management. The objectives of this study were to (1) evaluate whether there was a diagnostic value of admission blood procalcitonin (PCT) versus serum amyloid A (SAA) concentrations and to (2) determine whether there was a correlation between PCT, SAA, and previously reported markers of colic severity. The study included 45 horses with colic admitted to our hospital and 20 healthy horses. Blood was obtained via jugular venipuncture upon admission. Each colic was categorized according to lesion and treatment (medical vs. surgical). Data were tested for normality, and analyzed using a t-test, ANOVA where appropriate, or non-parametric methods if indicated. Heart rate was significantly higher in horses with colic versus healthy horses, but did not differentiate medical versus surgical lesions. Respiratory rate was significantly different in horses with surgical lesions versus healthy horses, but not medical disease. SAA and PCT concentrations were significantly different in horses that received surgical intervention (SAA mean±SEM 114.6±52.29 mg/L; PCT 251±38.87 pg/mL) versus those medically managed (SAA 32.35±26.44 mg/L; PCT 137.6±21.53 pg/mL). High heart rate was a good predictor of mortality (56 bpm±3, discharged vs) (71±7 bpm for non-survivors). In contrast to admission heart rate and hematocrit, PCT and SAA were good predictors of surgical versus medical management of colic. Larger sample sizes may be needed since values approached but did not achieve significance.
