Owner perceptions and experiences with equine necropsy

Abstract

In recent years, the number of horses submitted for necropsy has been in decline. This study aimed to identify the perceptions and barriers of equine necropsy through an online survey of horse owners. The data were analyzed by multivariate models for associations and factors that influenced decision making regarding necropsy. The survey yielded 1,366 usable responses. Respondents had higher familiarity with the term “autopsy” compared to “necropsy” (P < 0.001) and showed a greater level of comfort using the terms “body” and “mortality” compared to “carcass” (P < 0.001). Most respondents (82 %) had experienced euthanizing a horse, but few (27 %) were offered a necropsy. Of those offered a necropsy, a majority (81 %) opted to perform one. When asked about their reasons for choosing to have a necropsy performed, recommendations from veterinarians (77.87 OR, 95 % CI: 49.3, 127.5) and already knowing the cause of death (1.85 OR, 95 % CI: 1.2, 30) were positively associated while a benefit to herd health was negatively associated (0.55 OR, 95 % CI: 0.3, 1.0). Owning horses for use as competition animals (1.44 OR, 95 % CI: 0.9, 2.2), the desire for personal closure (1.76 OR, 95 % CI: 1.1, 2.9), and the goals to protect human health (1.29 OR, 95 % CI: 1.0, 1.6) and to improve herd health (1.43 OR, 95 % CI: 1.1, 1.9) were positively associated with a likelihood of choosing to have a necropsy performed or recommending necropsies in the future. This research highlights the need for education of horse owners about the option and benefits of necropsy, and the use of more societally accepted language.