Necropsy Casuistic Presented During the Year 2010 in the Pathology Department of the National Institute of Horsetracks «La Rinconada», Caracas, Venezuela

The aim of this study was to describe the causes of mortality in horses in 2010 at the National Race Track «La Rinconada», Caracas, Venezuela. A total of 135 horses of a total population of 1900 at the Hippodrome «La Rinconada» were studied, that were euthanized or died during 2010. All of them were necropsied and samples of several tissues were taken in all cases, part was fixed in 10% formalin for histological study logical, and part were placed in modified Stuart transport medium for bacterial studies. The results showed a mortality of 7% (135/1900), about 11 equine deaths per month. Acute abdominal crisis mortality accounted for 43% (58/135) of all deaths; musculoskeletal injuries were a 40% (54/135); pulmonary hemorrhage induced  by exercise occurred in 8% (11/135); type I hypersensitivity responses, were observed in 4% (5/135). These results allow  us to conclude that the cause of increased mortality during 2010 in the Race track «La Rinconada» corresponded to the acute abdominal crisis followed by musculoskeletal injuries, pulmonary hemorrhage induced by exercise, bacterial infections and type I hypersensitivity reactions.