Lameness, weight loss, colic, and equine Cushing’s syndrome are the four top reasons for euthanizing an older horse, said Catherine McGowan, BVSc, PhD, RCVS, European specialist in equine internal medicine, who presented research by Thomas McGowan, BSc, DVM, PhD, at the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Forum, held June 3-6 in Montréal, Quebec.

To date there have been no studies specifically relating to mortality and survival of aged horses.

McGowan and colleagues surveyed owners of horses age 15 years or greater in Queensland, Australia, and then contacted the respondents two to four years later. The survey gathered information from owners regarding age, breed, management, and health of the horses the respondents owned or obtained. Detailed veterinary medical exams were performed on 66% of the horses.

They then gathered follow-up information from 171 owners regarding 513 horses. Of the 513 horses, 44.9% were aged 10-14 years, and 31.5% were 15-19 years old