Veterinary practitioners’ selection of diagnostic tests for the primary evaluation of colic in the horse.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to survey veterinary practitioners' selection of diagnostic tests for horses with clinical signs of abdominal pain. A questionnaire was distributed to veterinary surgeons involved in the primary evaluation of horses with abdominal pain, including the respondent's demographics, selection of diagnostic tests and factors affecting decision-making. Data analysis included descriptive analysis, categorisation of free text and simple univariable correlations to explore the relationships between independent variables and the relative self-estimated frequency that diagnostic tests were performed. A total of 228 responses were analysed. Participants worked in mixed practice (55.7 per cent), first opinion equine (22.8 per cent), first and second opinion equine (17.9 per cent) and referral practice (3.1 per cent). The majority (48.2 per cent, 105/218) were very confident managing a colic case (confidence level 4/5). The most frequently used diagnostic tests were 'response to analgesia' (87.2±24.0 per cent cases), rectal examination (75.9±21.2 per cent) and nasogastric intubation (43.8±27.6 per cent). Approach varied between practitioners, and for all diagnostic tests with frequency of use ranging from 0 to 100 per cent of cases. 'Risk to personal safety' was the most common reason for not using rectal examination. Practitioner's opinion of their confidence level in managing a colic case was associated with how frequently they used different diagnostic tests. There was marked variation in practitioners' approaches, highlighting the need for further evidence to support decision-making.
Publication Date: 2015-09-29 PubMed ID: 26457192PubMed Central: PMC4594312DOI: 10.1136/vetreco-2015-000145Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Abdominal
- Clinical Examination
- Clinical Signs
- Clinical Study
- Colic
- Diagnosis
- Diagnostic Technique
- Disease Diagnosis
- Epidemiology
- Equine Diseases
- Equine Health
- Gastrointestinal Health
- Horses
- Pain Management
- Survey Study
- Veterinary Care
- Veterinary Medicine
- Veterinary Practice
- Veterinary Procedure
- Veterinary Research
- Veterinary Science
Summary
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The research paper explores the selection of diagnostic tests by veterinary practitioners when dealing with horses showing symptoms of abdominal pain, or colic. The study reveals significant variations in the approaches and practices adopted by veterinarians, bolstering the call for more data and consensus in decision-making protocols.
Research Methodology
- The research began with a questionnaire distributed to veterinary surgeons actively involved in the preliminary evaluation of horses exhibiting signs of abdominal pain.
- The questionnaire collected information on the respondents’ professional backgrounds, selection of diagnostic tests, and the factors influencing their decisions.
- Data was then analyzed using methods such as descriptive analysis and simple univariable correlations to assess the relationship between independent variables and the frequency at which each diagnostic test was chosen.
Findings
- A total of 228 responses were utilized for this study. The largest demographic of respondents were those working in mixed practices at 55.7%, followed by first opinion equine practitioners at 22.8%, first and second opinion equine practitioners at 17.9%, and specialized referral practices at 3.1%.
- Almost half of the respondents expressed a high degree of confidence in managing cases of colic in horses.
- The most frequently utilized diagnostic tests were response to analgesia (used in 87.2% of cases), rectal examination (in 75.9%), and nasogastric intubation (in 43.8%).
- The frequency of the use of different diagnostic tests ranged widely from 0 to 100% of cases, pointing to a lack of consistent practice across veterinarians.
- The primary reason given for not using rectal examination as a diagnostic method was the risk to personal safety.
- The frequency of use of certain diagnostic tests was linked to the practitioner’s perceived confidence level in handling a colic case.
Implication
- The wide variation in the selection and use of diagnostic tests for equine colic cases underscores the need for more substantial evidence to support decision-making in veterinary practice.
- Finding ways to standardize practices, supplemented with additional research and evidence, would likely improve outcomes for horses experiencing abdominal pain.
Cite This Article
APA
Curtis L, Trewin I, England GC, Burford JH, Freeman SL.
(2015).
Veterinary practitioners’ selection of diagnostic tests for the primary evaluation of colic in the horse.
Vet Rec Open, 2(2), e000145.
https://doi.org/10.1136/vetreco-2015-000145 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham , Loughborough, Leicestershire , UK.
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham , Loughborough, Leicestershire , UK.
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham , Loughborough, Leicestershire , UK.
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham , Loughborough, Leicestershire , UK.
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham , Loughborough, Leicestershire , UK.
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