Showjumping horses returning to sport after colic surgery

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The return to performance after colic surgery is crucial for competition horses. While studies have investigated racehorse performance following colic surgery by analysing racing participation and earnings, this approach does not apply to showjumping horses, leaving a gap in the literature regarding their objective performance evaluation. OBJECTIVES: To assess the short- and long-term survival and return to performance in showjumping horses after colic surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: Medical records of horses with acute colic requiring surgical treatment were analysed, and data for showjumping horses (Group 1) were retrieved. Telephone follow-ups were conducted and national competition databases were used to collect pre- and postoperative showjumping competition entries for Group 1 and for randomly selected horses (Group 2) participating in the same competitions as a comparison group. RESULTS: Of 253 horses undergoing colic surgery, 96 were recorded as showjumpers. The median long-term survival was 2.73 (0.01-6.14) years. Among these horses, 59 were competing at the time of surgery, and of these, 46 (78%) returned to competition and 41 (89.1%) competed at the same or higher level, while 5 (10.9%) competed at a lower level. At a 2-year follow-up, 63.6% of the showjumping horses that underwent colic surgery were alive. No significant differences were observed in the level of competition and career length between horses, which underwent colic surgery, and the randomly selected comparison group. MAIN LIMITATIONS: Small sample size and a single-centre design. CONCLUSIONS: Showjumping horses can make a successful return to competition after colic surgery, with the majority performing at the same or higher level as before the procedure.