Factors that influence owner consent for exploratory laparotomy in horses with colic in Australia and New Zealand.
Authors: Averay Kate, Wilkins Clara, de Kantzow Max, Simon Olivier, van Galen Gaby, Sykes Benjamin, Verwilghen Denis
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Owner Decision-Making for Exploratory Laparotomy in Equine Colic Australian and New Zealand researchers surveyed 2,200 horse owners to understand what influences their consent to exploratory laparotomy when their animals present with colic, recognising that owner attitudes toward this intervention remain poorly documented and directly impact clinical outcomes. Using online questionnaires analysed through univariate and multivariate statistical methods, the team discovered that only 18.7% of respondents would definitely consent to surgery, whilst 55.2% indicated they would consider it—leaving a substantial 26.1% who would categorically refuse. Geographically, intended use of the horse, perceptions of surgical costs and prognosis, and prior experience significantly shaped owners' decisions, whereas income level and proximity to a referral centre did not. High survival probability, institutional trust, the horse's emotional value and euthanasia as the alternative emerged as the strongest motivators for consent; conversely, financial burden, uncertain outcomes, welfare concerns and advanced age posed the most significant barriers. For equine professionals, these findings underscore the critical importance of frank conversations about realistic survival rates and individualised case discussions, as education remains the key lever for securing owner cooperation in potentially life-saving surgical interventions.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •When discussing colic surgery with owners, emphasize positive survival rates and your hospital's track record to increase consent rates, as trust and perceived prognosis are key decision factors
- •Address cost concerns proactively and discuss alternative outcomes including euthanasia; acknowledge regional variation in owner attitudes may require tailored communication strategies
- •Focus owner education on realistic survival statistics and post-operative quality of life, as uncertainty about outcomes is a major barrier to surgical decision-making
Key Findings
- •Only 18.7% of Australian and New Zealand horse owners would consent to exploratory laparotomy, while 55.2% would consider it and 26.1% would refuse
- •Geographical location, intended use of horse, and owner perceptions of cost and prognosis significantly influenced consent decisions
- •Top motivators for consent were high survival probability, trust in hospital, emotional value of horse, and euthanasia as alternative
- •Top barriers to consent were financial cost, uncertain outcome, welfare concerns, and horse age