Survey a group of horse caretakers and veterinarians about their top health concerns and colic usually heads the list. Although treatment options for colic have improved dramatically in the last several decades, that rate of improvement has slowed in the last 20 years. Horses, and the people who care for them, are ready for a new investment in research to further colic prevention and care.
Colic is a common problem and refers to any cause of abdominal pain. Experts say that 4% to 10% of all horses will experience at least one episode of colic in their lifetimes. Approximately 90% of colic cases are successfully treated on the farm, with the remaining 10% referred to a specialty hospital for advanced treatment, including surgery. For horse caretakers, colic can be a frightening diagnosis; and for veterinarians, it’s a challenge to treat when a horse’s condition rapidly worsens.
While many horses recover uneventfully from colic, for others it is life-threatening and even fatal. For caretakers, additional stress is created from concern about the welfare of their horses, coupled with the expense of colic treatment for more dire case. Interest in colic research is growing as equine veterinary specialists continue to look for new ways to improve survival, optimize treatment, and return their patients to normal activity.
PREVENTION AND EARLY INTERVENTION ARE KEY
Dr. Liara Gonzalez, Associate Professor of Gastroenterology and Equine Surgery at North Carolina State University, notes that colic prevention is one key to better short- and long-term outcomes. “Colic prevention, whether through educating owners or veterinarians, remains important,” says Dr. Gonzalez. “The internet has helped by giving owners and veterinarians greater access to materials and other educational opportunities.”
Dr. Margaret Mudge
, colic researcher and Professor of Equine Surgery at The Ohio State University, feels that another key is earlier diagnosis and referral by veterinarians in the field, leading to improved colic outcomes. She also points to a greater willingness on the
part of caretakers to accept earlier referral. Early referral in turn leads to improved survival,
which encourages more veterinarians and caretakers to pursue referral and surgery.
Several large scale, multinational studies are currently in progress to look at various aspects of colic. The Nottingham Equine Colic Project is one example. This ambitious project covers numerous areas of early colic recognition by primary veterinarians and horse caretakers. Ultimately, this data could identify important early clinical signs of colic and serve as a foundation for caretaker and veterinary education and outreach.
Preventing colic from occurring is optimal, but a horse’s unique anatomy predisposes them to colic even when caretakers take every precaution. Horses can colic even under optimal management, so early recognition of the signs is an important adjunct to prevention.
“It’s exciting for me to see large, multi-national, collaborative and prospective colic studies,” says Dr. Kira Epstein, Professor and Interim Department Head of Large Animal Medicine at the University of Georgia, and a colic researcher. “This approach will lead to better evidence-based advice for owners and veterinarians.”
IMPROVING SURGERY AND POSTOPERATIVE CARE
Despite advances in colic therapy made in the late 1980s and 1990s, many researchers point to a lack of novel, groundbreaking colic treatments over the last 20 years. However, recent advances in cellular biology and technology have spurred new research in unique and exciting areas.
Blood circulation
Maintaining good blood circulation, even in tiny blood vessels (microcirculation) during surgery is important for success. Dr. Mudge is using a new technology to study the microcirculation of horses undergoing colic surgery and, as part of the study, she’s testing a special type of intravenous fluid and its effect on microcirculation during anesthesia. Her hypothesis is that by maintaining adequate perfusion to all tissues, survival will improve and time in hospital will be reduced (which in turn can reduce costs for the caretaker).
Stem cells
Most people associate stem cells with bone marrow, blood disease, and the treatment of orthopedic problems, but the intestine has stem cells, too. Dr. Gonzalez is looking for ways to harness the power of the gut’s resident stem cells to improve and hasten healing after an episode of colic.
“Every seven days we have a brand new intestinal lining, thanks to gut stem cells,” says Dr. Gonzalez. “Can I stimulate these cells to heal, or heal faster? Faster recoveries can not only save caretakers money but can help horses avoid post-operative complications such as laminitis.”
FUNDING AND PARTICIPATION IN COLIC STUDIES
Nonprofit organizations focused on animal health, such as Morris Animal Foundation and Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, are currently funding studies on colic. Morris Animal Foundation recently announced a special interest in funding studies focused on equine colic in their most recent call for proposals.
Horse caretakers also have opportunities to participate in research. The American Veterinary
Medical Association Health Studies Database provides horse caretakers with a database of studies actively recruiting patients. The database is also a good place to look for previous study locations and colic experts.
New research projects are offering new hope for horses, their caretakers, and veterinarians. Advances in prevention, early diagnosis, and surgical optimization means more horses will be able to return to healthy lives after colic.
Dr. Kelly Diehl received her DVM from the University of Tennessee and started her practice career in an emergency clinic in New Jersey. She then completed an internship at the prestigious Animal Medical Center in New York City, after which she moved west, completing a residency in small animal medicine at Colorado State University. Dr. Diehl joined the staff of the Veterinary Referral Center of Colorado as the co-owner of the internal medicine section. After 14 years, she left private practice to pursue a career in medical communication and joined the Morris Animal Foundation team in 2013. Dr. Diehl is a board-certified small animal internal medicine specialist and a Certified Veterinary Journalist.
AUTHOR PROFILE
Equine Wellness Magazine is North America’s most trusted natural health and lifestyle magazine for horses, and the premiere publication educating a growing audience in natural and integrative approaches to health and horsemanship. EW transcends all areas of the equine market and appeals to everyone from backyard enthusiasts to serious competitors.
