Could it be colic? Horse-owner decision making and practices in response to equine colic.
Authors: Scantlebury Claire E, Perkins Elizabeth, Pinchbeck Gina L, Archer Debra C, Christley Robert M
Journal: BMC veterinary research
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Horse-Owner Decision Making in Colic Colic remains one of the leading causes of equine mortality, yet little research has examined how horse owners actually recognise the condition and decide whether to call a veterinary surgeon. Scantlebury and colleagues conducted qualitative research with horse owners and carers to explore their understanding of colic signs, the reasoning behind their clinical decisions, and the factors influencing whether they seek professional help. The findings revealed considerable variation in how owners interpret colic symptoms, with many failing to recognise early or subtle presentations, and several delaying veterinary contact despite concerning signs—often due to uncertainty about severity, prior experience with self-resolving cases, or financial concerns. These results have significant implications for veterinary practice: rather than assuming owners will recognise colic and act decisively, practitioners should develop tailored communication strategies that address specific knowledge gaps, clarify which signs warrant immediate intervention, and explore barriers to timely care, potentially improving outcomes by reducing diagnostic and treatment delays.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Standardise your colic education: clarify with owners exactly which signs warrant immediate veterinary attention rather than assuming they know (recumbency, rolling, sweating, unproductive straining, behaviour change)
- •Tailor communication to owner experience level: first-time owners and those with previous colic cases need different messaging—experienced owners may under-estimate severity due to past 'false alarms'
- •Establish clear protocols: provide owners with written guidance on colic red-flags and encourage early calls; delayed owner recognition remains a bottleneck in colic outcomes
Key Findings
- •Horse owners use varied and sometimes inconsistent criteria to recognise and respond to colic signs
- •Owner decision-making is influenced by previous experience, confidence levels, and perceived severity rather than standardised clinical guidelines
- •Communication gaps exist between veterinarians and owners regarding colic recognition and appropriate timing of veterinary intervention
- •Owner knowledge and practices vary significantly, affecting delays in colic diagnosis and treatment initiation