Owners' attitudes to emergency colic planning are under review

Research found that vets are seen as the most influential figures when it comes to colic planning

- BECKY MURRAY

OWNERS’ attitudes to emergency colic recommendations are under review – as vets come out on top as the lead source of information.

In a study published in the Equine Veterinary Journal, researchers from the University of Nottingham investigated beliefs and practices associated with emergency colic planning.

The research involved 701 participants in a survey that covered planning for a colic emergency, experience of colic, and awareness of the British Horse Society (BHS) REACT Now to Beat Colic campaign.

Findings included the fact 77.5% of participants had experience of managing colic, but very few had experience of referral or euthanasia as a direct result, suggesting that their preparedness “may relate to their response to mild, rather than critical” colic.

Vets were the main source of 63.1% of participants’ colic knowledge, and 67.6% agreed an emergency colic plan would improve their horses’ welfare.

When the survey was run in 2018, only 20% were aware of the REACT campaign.