Colic Referrals

When referring a horse with abdominal pain remember that the success of surgery depends upon early and rapid referral. A full history should be given over the telephone and should include medication administered prior to referral. Further information, such as rectal palpation findings, fluid from paracentesis abdominis and the degree of pain, are also important and may shed light on a possible diagnosis.

If there is gastric reflux, a stomach tube should be kept in place and attached to the horse’s head collar before travelling. This will be returned with the client and may be life-saving in preventing gastric rupture during transport.

It is usually preferable to refer the horse promptly even though it may appear dehydrated as delay spent administering intravenous fluids before admission may be counter productive. Each year a number of horses are referred for surgery which turn out to have medical intestinal problems. Despite this, clients are usually grateful for referral, because they understand the need for close monitoring at a surgical facility. Particular care should be taken when examining horses which are found in the morning with colic, as the onset of clinical signs may be much earlier than appreciated. If there is any doubt, it is preferable to transport the horse to the Hospital immediately and contact us afterwards, giving the expected time of arrival.

Over the years the range of treatable conditions and the patient survival rate have both increased significantly. A large experienced veterinary surgeon and nursing team is available to deal with the management and monitoring of patients around the clock. This support has proved invaluable in recent years with increasing numbers of emergencies being admitted at night and during weekends.