Geriatric Colic Surgery: Factors to Consider
- March 25, 2022
- Posted by Emily Helstrom

As equine care has evolved, the proportion of senior horses—those 16 or older—within the population has grown. While transitioning your horse from a successful performance career to a well-deserved retirement can be straightforward and satisfying, medical decision-making can begin to feel more complicated during this stage. In two large studies gastrointestinal (GI) disease was the most common reason for admission to a referral hospital, with colic being the major cause.
Colic is stressful for any owner, especially when trying to decide whether to send a horse to colic surgery—a decision that can become more complex as your horse ages. To help you with this difficult choice, here are considerations to discuss with your Current magazine subscribers can click here to and continue reading. We at The Horse work to provide you with the latest and most reliable news and information on equine health, care, management, and welfare through our magazine and TheHorse.com. Our explanatory journalism provides an understandable resource on important and sometimes complex health issues. Your subscription will help The Horse continue to offer this vital resource to horse owners of all breeds, disciplines, and experience levels.This story requires a subscription to The Horse magazine.
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Written by:
Emily Helstrom
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