Factors that influence owner consent for exploratory laparotomy in horses with colic in Australia and New Zealand

Averay, Kate; Wilkins, C.; Kantzow, Max de; Simon, Olivier; Galen, Gaby Van; Sykes, B. W.; Verwilghen, Denis

doi:10.1111/evj.13868

Cited by 4 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 26 publications

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“…The objectives of this study by Kate Averay and co‐workers in Australia and New Zealand were to determine the proportion of Australian and New Zealand horse owners who would consent to exploratory laparotomy, and to identify motivators and barriers for consent .…”

Section: Owner Consent For Exploratory Laparotomymentioning

confidence: 99%

Highlights of recent clinically relevant papers

Wright

2024

Equine Veterinary Education

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Section: Owner Consent For Exploratory Laparotomymentioning

confidence: 99%

Highlights of recent clinically relevant papers

Wright

2024

Equine Veterinary Education

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Preliminary study to evaluate the use of fast abdominal ultrasonography of horses with colic in first opinion ambulatory practice

Corrie,

Chapman,

Schofield

et al. 2024

Equine Veterinary Education

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SummaryBackgroundColic is the commonest emergency in first opinion equine practice. Early referral is important for horses requiring surgery. Fast localised abdominal ultrasonography of horses (FLASH) is frequently used as a diagnostic tool in the investigation of colic at referral hospitals, but its use in first opinion practice has not been evaluated.ObjectiveTo assess the value of FLASH scanning in the primary assessment of horses with colic in the field, using a portable wireless ultrasound system.Study designProspective study (2018–2021).MethodsAny horse examined for colic as an emergency in a first opinion ambulatory practice was eligible for inclusion in the study. A FLASH examination was performed using a wireless handheld ultrasound scanner, with the images displayed on a smartphone or tablet. The findings on FLASH scans and the outcome of the case (recovered, referred for surgery or euthanised without referral) were recorded.ResultsIn total, 135 equids with acute colic were evaluated. Of the 135 horses, 49 (36%) had an abnormal finding on FLASH scanning, including distended loops of small intestine (n = 34), thickened small intestinal walls (n = 23) and/or distension of the stomach (n = 7). Reduced small intestinal motility was recorded in 52 animals (38%). Follow‐up information was available in all animals: 50 (37%) were euthanised due to clinical deterioration and the owners' decision not to undertake surgery; 85/135 (63%) survived, including 5/85 (6%) that underwent surgery and 80/85 (94%) that resolved with medical management.Main limitationsSmall number of cases. Lack of results of post‐mortem examination of horses that were euthanised. Potential selection bias.ConclusionThe FLASH technique can be valuable in the primary assessment of horses with colic in first opinion ambulatory practice. Further evaluation with more cases is required.

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UK horse owners and veterinary practitioners' experiences of decision‐making for critical cases of colic

Burrell,

Burford,

England

et al. 2024

Equine Veterinary Journal

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BackgroundThe survival of horses diagnosed with critical colic (requiring referral or euthanasia) relies on rapid and effective decision‐making by the owner and veterinary practitioner.ObjectivesTo explore UK horse owners' and veterinary practitioners' experiences of decision‐making for critical cases of equine colic.Study designQualitative study using a phenomenological approach.MethodsIndividual, semi‐structured telephone interviews were conducted with 14 horse owners and 13 veterinary practitioners (vets) who had experienced a critical decision (referral or euthanasia) for a horse with colic. A purposive, convenience sample of participants was recruited. Sessions explored participant's experience of colic, including recognition, help‐seeking behaviour, and challenges. Thematic analysis was performed on collected data.ResultsFour over‐arching themes were identified; ‘head’, ‘heart’, ‘practicalities’ and ‘impact’. Owners acknowledged responsibility for their horse's welfare but had different perspectives than vets on the importance of finance (‘head’). Both vets and owners described how the horse–human relationship (‘heart’) often led to conflict during decision‐making. The vet–client relationship was influential on decision‐making for both owners and vets; involving other people in decision‐making was described both positively and negatively by participants (‘heart’). ‘Practicalities’, such as lack of preparedness, transport issues and adverse weather conditions, were identified by both owners and vets as barriers. Owners described a ‘rollercoaster’ of emotions after a critical decision, with profound impacts on their mental wellbeing, feelings of guilt, and long‐term changes in behaviour (‘impact’), and a lack of support to manage these feelings.Main limitationsSmall sample size.ConclusionsThis study describes stakeholder decision‐making during critical cases of equine colic. Factors that commonly influenced decisions included an owner's previous knowledge and beliefs, social pressures, logistics and the relationship between the owner and vet. The study highlighted long‐term impacts on the owner, including their management and decisions for subsequent horses. These factors should be considered in shared decision‐making.

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Factors that influence owner consent for exploratory laparotomy in horses with colic in Australia and New Zealand

Cited by 4 publications

References 26 publications

Highlights of recent clinically relevant papers

Highlights of recent clinically relevant papers

Preliminary study to evaluate the use of fast abdominal ultrasonography of horses with colic in first opinion ambulatory practice

UK horse owners and veterinary practitioners' experiences of decision‐making for critical cases of colic

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