Prognostic factors affecting survival of 507 horses with joint disease: (1983 to 1990)

Between July 1, 1983 and December 31, 1990, risk factors were determined fo r all horses with joint disease presented to a referral center, of being di scharged, of ever becoming sound, or of being alive at 3 mo follow-up. Logi stic multiple-regression models were done separately for foals (less than o r equal to 4 mo), yearlings (> 4-24 mo) and racing or non-racing adult hors es (> 24 mo). The breakdown in this study was 53 foals, 87 yearlings, 141 n on-racing adults, and 226 facing adults. Thirty-one foals (58%), 68 yearlin gs (78%), 119 non-racing adults (84%), and 213 racing adults (94%) were dis charged. Foals with a less severe lameness, duration of illness of > 1 d, a nd infectious arthritis had increased odds of discharge. At follow-up, 12 o f 18 (67%) were alive, 10 (56%) of which were sound. Yearlings with osteoch ondrosis had higher odds of discharge; at follow-up, 38 of 49 (78%) were al ive, 32 (65%) of which mere sound. For non-racing adults, horses with less severe lameness, without a miscellaneous diagnosis, or intended for pleasur e use had increased odds of discharge. At follow-up, 55 of 78 (70%) mere al ive and 33 of 58 (57%) with soundness data became sound. Risk factors for h igher odds of being alive at follow-up were carpal lameness, arthroscopic s urgery, a prognosis other than poor, became sound, above-median hospitaliza tion costs, and duration of follow-up. The 161 racing adults (76% of discha rges), with follow-up, were more likely to have had osteoarthritis, higher hospital costs, hospitalization > 1 d, and arthroscopy. Sixty-four (60%) of these became sound; the odds increased if the horse was not severely lame at admission or was hospitalized for > 1 d. Risk factors and prognosis diff ered by age-use group among horses seen at our hospital.