The Horse:Your Guide To Equine Health Care provides monthly equine health care information to horse owners, breeders, veterinarians, barn/farm managers, trainer/riding instructors, and others involved in the hands-on care of the horse.
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21 December 2017 THE HORSE TheHorse.com success rate is lower, but it still hovers around 70%. Having a good concept of what's involved with colic diagnoses, treat- ments, and prognoses means you're not caught off guard when your veterinarian describes them to you while your horse is seriously ill. As an informed horse owner you can be prepared to speak calmly with your horse's health care professionals and understand what's happening. "I encourage owners to read up on colic and have a good grasp of the condition, provided they're getting their informa- tion from reliable sources," says Isgren. Veterinarian-reviewed articles such as those in The Horse or on equine veterinary clinics' owner-dedicated websites are good places to go for trustworthy information. Equip Yourself As mentioned, a stethoscope and a thermometer are useful to have if your horse is showing signs of colic. But it's rare that veterinarians allow owners to keep prescription medications such as Banamine on hand, our sources say. "In the U.K., we're not even allowed to leave many prescription medications at the farm," Isgren says. "So we really couldn't advise that." "It's important to not self-treat horses," Anderson says. "Medications should only be given after consultation with a veterinarian." She does suggest keeping electrolytes in your barn. Electrolytes can encourage the horse to drink more, which will help encourage normal digestion. Still, own- ers should check with their veterinarian before giving electrolytes or anything else to a colicking horse. Equip Your Facilities A prepared owner has prepared facili- ties. Colic often happens in the night, and veterinarians can do their jobs much better if they can get to your horse easily. Is your barn reachable by truck? That will help your veterinarian bring in his or her equipment. Make sure the horse is in the barn when the veterinarian arrives (unless he's thrashing violently—in which case he might be better off in a small paddock to prevent injury), so you won't waste time going out into a dark field to find him. Also, does your barn have running water? Water is necessary for certain diagnostic and treatment procedures. And does it have a light source? "There's noth- ing like having to pass a stomach tube through by flashlight," Isgren says. Have an Emergency Transport Plan The classic mistake in a moment of colic crisis is lack of transport, our sources say. A horse's condition can get worse during trailering delays, and "that can affect the outcome of his treatment or surgery at the hospital," Isgren says. If you have a trailer, make sure it's available and usable at all times. In other words, the lights and brakes are working, the tire pressure is correct, and you're not using it as a storage shed. If you don't have a trailer, plan for having access to one in the event of an emergency—even in the middle of the night. Contact a friend, trainer, or nearby equestrian center to see if you can arrange for trailer- sharing or renting in urgent situations. "About 10-15% of colic cases get referred to the hospital, depending on where you are and on the comfort level of the treating veterinarian in dealing with your case," Anderson says. "People need to be prepared for it to happen to them." Have a Financial Plan Colic can be expensive. Surgeries can cost more than $10,000 in complicated cases. Even without surgery, hospitaliza- tion costs can run high. Are you prepared for the financial hit if your horse colics? "Of the cases that get referred, about half go to surgery," Anderson says of her experience. "It's a huge expense, and it can be a shock. Educating yourself in ad- vance about prices and having a financial plan for that can help." Consider creating a "colic savings ac- count," or look into major medical and/ or mortality insurance. But keep in mind that coverage varies widely. "Some insurance companies won't cover surgery if the horse has had any About 10-15% of colic cases get referred to the hospital, depending on where you are and on the comfort level of the treating veterinarian in dealing with your case." DR. STACY ANDERSON Supporting your dedication to Equine care. Bimeda, Inc., One Tower Lane, Suite 2250, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181 USA Toll Free Tel.:(888)524-6332 Email: info@BimedaUS.com www.BimedaEquine.com Bimeda is a proud participant at AAEP '17 Come visit us at BOOTH #4073 Care for horses. RELY ON US.