Draft Horse Colic Myths, Debunked

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Think draft horses “do worse” with colic? We put that belief on trial and let the data speak. With equine practitioner and researcher Dr. Jennifer Burns as our guest, we unpack why survival isn’t about breed status—it’s about when the horse arrives and how quickly we act. Drafts are famously stoic, which can mask early pain and delay referral. By the time they reach the hospital, heart rate, lactate, and abdominal protein often paint a sicker picture. The takeaway is both practical and hopeful: intervene early, educate owners on subtle signs, and don’t let draft status stop a surgical plan when it’s indicated.

We walk through the study’s design, the variables that could and couldn’t fit the model, and the nuance behind “more complications” without worse overall outcomes. Jennifer shares the conversations she has with clients who fear that surgery is a Hail Mary, and we spotlight a compelling number—60% of admitted horses were discharged—that reframes expectations. From clear displacement cases to managing two-thousand-pound athletes, we connect field realities with hospital strategy and discuss where targeted anesthesia, fluid plans, and postoperative monitoring might chip away at complication risks.

You’ll also hear candid stories from the road, the lessons that stuck, and the research questions we’re chasing next: is delayed care driven by recognition, logistics, or cost, and how can we fix it? If you care for draft horses—or love one—this conversation offers a sharper lens for spotting trouble sooner and a stronger voice when advocating for timely referral. If this episode helps you rethink colic in stoic breeds, follow the show, share it with a fellow horse person, and leave a quick review to help others find us.

JAVMA article: https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.25.05.0320

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