How successful is colic surgery?

Results: The long-term (>12 months) survival rate for 204 horses discharged after colic surgery and for which follow-up information was available was 84%. The most common complication after discharge was colic, affecting 35.1% of horses following a single laparotomy.

How much is colic surgery UK?

An uncomplicated surgical colic operation will cost in the region of £5,000 and this is the limit to most insurance claims. However, if your horse has a prolonged recovery or there are complications, or your horse requires a second surgery, then the cost will breech that £5,000 limit.

Do horses recover from colic surgery?

After a successful colic surgery, some horses make a quick and routine recovery and return to their homes within five days to a week. But for others, this recovery process can be a challenging ride full of ups and downs, needing several days of intensive medical care and intravenous fluids.

How long is colic surgery?

Depending on complexity, colic surgery can take anywhere from under 90 minutes to more than four hours in rare cases, says Dr. Thal. Afterward, your horse is returned to the padded room to wake up.

How long is colic surgery recovery?

60 to 90 days: Gradually return to normal activity from day 60 to day 90 after surgery. If postoperative complications occurred, especially in the incision, additional rest is recommended.

Should I do colic surgery?

Most horses that experience abdominal pain will either resolve on their own, or with minimal treatment. The majority of the remainder will respond to intensive medical treatment in a hospital setting. Of horses that show colic symptoms, only a small percentage will require colic surgery.

Does insurance cover colic?

Yes, Most insurers will apply an exclusion to your horse’s policy. Following a claim for colic treatment this will usually exclude any further colic-related claims.

Can a horse have colic surgery twice?

Seven out of 302 long-term surviving patients needed the second operation within the first 11 months after the first surgery. Colic episode was reoperated in another 15 patients after 12 months to 4 years after the first opera- tion. Conservative treatment was necessary in another 10 long-term surviving horses.

How do you treat horse impaction colic?

Treatment of Impaction Colic in Horses

  1. Lubrication. The veterinarian may lubricate your horse’s intestinal tract with the use of oil, such as vegetable or mineral.
  2. Analgesics. Analgesics will be used to decrease the contractions of the colon during the administration of any lubricants.
  3. IV Fluids.
  4. Surgery.