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A survey of the perception of colic surgery amongst Australian and New Zealand horse-owners


About the Study

Colic is one of the most common reasons for emergency veterinary consultations. Whilst many horses respond to medical treatment of colic, a proportion of horses will require emergency colic surgery. The decision by owners to send their horse for surgical management of colic is one often made at short notice and in highly emotional circumstances, often with guidance from their veterinarian.

The aim of the study is to investigate the factors that influence Australian and New Zealand horse owners’ decision to proceed with colic surgery and to determine the perception and knowledge of Australian primary equine veterinarians towards colic surgery. This study hopes to determine if there are trends between owner demographics and previous experience with colic, and whether owners elect to send horses for emergency surgery.

By completing this survey, you will be providing valuable information regarding factors that influence owners’ decisions to take a horse to colic surgery. This may help future veterinarians better understand how they can support horse owners whilst they make this difficult decision and allow for better insights in horse owners’ understanding of outcomes of colic surgery and lead to the development of better information resources for owners.

This study is being conducted by Dr Clara Wilkins (Intern in Equine Surgery and Medicine, University of Sydney) and Kate Averay (Resident in Equine Surgery, University of Sydney) under the supervision of Dr. Denis Verwilghen, Associate Professor in Equine Surgery at University of Sydney and Head of the Camden Equine Centre.

To help with the survey, please click here

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