Equine nutrition in the post‐operative colic: Survey of Diplomates of the American Colleges of Veterinary Internal Medicine and Veterinary Surgeons, and European Colleges of Equine Internal Medicine and Veterinary Surgeons

Abstract

Abstract Background Evidence is lacking concerning re‐introduction of feed and water following colic surgery. Objectives To describe current approaches of European and American specialists to re‐introduction of feed and water in adult horses following surgical treatment of common intestinal lesions, assuming an uncomplicated recovery. Study design Cross‐sectional survey. Methods Electronic invitations, with a link to the online survey, were sent to 1,430 large animal specialists, including Diplomates of the ECVS, ACVS, ECEIM and ACVIM colleges. Results The response rate was 12.6% including partial respondent data. Responses for each multiple‐choice question were between 123 and 178. Results are expressed as the percentage of the total number of responses and as a range where specific lesions are grouped together. Respondents reported that horses with large intestinal displacements were offered free choice water (63%‐65%) within 3 hours (55%‐63%), whereas horses with a small intestinal strangulating lesion were offered < 2 L water (64%‐74%) 12‐24 hours (28%‐34%) post‐operatively. Horses with a large colon displacement were offered feed within 3 hours of surgery (16%) with the majority offered feed 6‐12 hours (35%‐36%) post‐operatively. Horses with small intestinal strangulating lesions and small colon lesions were offered feed 24‐48 hours (34%‐42%) after surgery. Following small intestinal, small colon or caecal lesions, horses were re‐introduced feed in handfuls (79%‐93%) and initially with grass (41%‐54%). Horses with large colon displacements were mostly fed handfuls (49%‐50%) of forage initially, but a number of respondents would offer larger quantities such as a small bucket (35%‐37%) and predominantly of hay (50%‐51%). Main limitations Low response rate. This study did not take into account common post‐operative complications that may alter the clinical approach. Conclusions This post‐operative colic nutrition survey is the first to describe current clinical practice. Further research is required to investigate nutritional strategies in post‐operative colic cases.