We will be working closely with The BHS and Nottingham Vet School over the next year to share information and advice from the REACT colic campaign on how to recognise and react to signs of colic as quickly as possible to give your horse the best chance of recovering.
Our Role As Vet REACT Colic Champions
Colic is the most common reason for emergency vet call outs in horses
Most cases are mild and can be resolved with simple treatment, but a small percentage are critical or life-threatening. These critical cases will need rapid decision-making by both the vet and owner.
Over the next year, we will be holding two talks on the key REACT messages, and also sharing information through our newsletters and facebook page. The free REACT fact sheets and fold-out mini guides will be available in our reception area, so please drop in and pick up some copies.
The Nottingham Equine Colic Project: REACT
The Nottingham Equine Colic Project started in 2012, and Scarsdale Vets have been involved throughout the project. Our practice data contributed to two large studies that generated new information on how often different types of colic occur, and how to recognise critical cases early. Jacqui Paton attended evidence workshops where vets and owners worked together to decide how the evidence should be used. We are delighted to be continuing our involvement, and to be part of this new initiative to spread the REACT colic messages.
The REACT Campaign
The REACT campaign provides essential information to help you understand the different causes of colic, how to recognise colic early, and how to plan ahead to make sure you give your horse the best chance of recovering. We look forward to sharing this information with you and making sure you are prepared.
The REACT colic campaign includes a poster of the most common signs of colic, and nine fact sheets on colic ‘essentials’.
Here are the latest information sheets available. We will update the rest as they become
- What is Colic?
- Types of Colic
- Recognising Signs of Colic
- Reducing the risk of colic
- Emergency decision-making
- How to take a horse’s temperature, pulse and breathing rate
- Waiting for the vet to arrive
- The vet’s examination of the horse
- Rectal examination
- Nasogastric intubation
- What happens at referral
