AGE, BREED, SEX AND SEASONALITY AS RISK-FACTORS FOR EQUINE LAMINITIS

A case-control study was conducted at the Texas Veterinary Medical Cen ter between January 1, 1986 and December 31, 1991. Logistic regression was used to assess age, breed, sex, and seasonality as risk factors f or equine laminitis. There were 70 acute cases, 183 chronic cases, and 779 controls. No statistical association was found between age, breed , sex, or seasonality and the diagnosis of acute laminitis. For chroni c cases, the estimated odds ratio was statistically significant for ag e (OR = 1.05, 95% CI (1.02,1.08)) and for the diagnosis of laminitis i n the third quarter of the year (OR - 2.57, 95% CI (1.55,4.25)) relati ve to the first quarter. There was no statistical association between breed or sex and chronic laminitis.