Impact and planning key factors in critical colic decision-making

Researchers have looked into the decision-making process involved in critical cases of colic in horses

- LUCY ELDER

NEW research into decisionmaking for critical colic cases has highlighted how individual each situation is, the long-term impact on owners and why planning so important.

The study, published in the British Equine Veterinary Association's Equine Veterinary Journal, involved interviews with 14 owners and 13 vets.

"The survival of horses diagnosed with critical colic (requiring referral or euthanasia) relies on rapid and effective decision-making by the owner and veterinary practitioner," the study states.

Katie Burrell worked with John Burford, Gary England and Sarah Freeman, all from the University of Nottingham's vet school, to identify the main themes owners and vets face in these situations.

"Owners acknowledged responsibility for their horses' welfare, but had different perspectives to vets on the importance of finance," states the study. "The vet-client relationship was influential on decision-making; involving other people was described both positively and negatively.