The veterinary nurse’s role in nursing an equine surgical colic patient

Abstract

The nurse’s role is critical in the pre-operative, peri-operative and post-operative period in surgical colic patients, due to colic being a major cause of morbidity and mortality in horses. The nurse’s role can vary hugely when nursing a surgical colic patient as their role could include laboratory work, placing catheters and administering medication, theatre nursing, intravenous fluid therapy and general TLC.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Catherine Lane

Catherine Lane FdSc DipAVN (eq) DipHECVN REVN

Catherine graduated from Hartpury College in 2012 after gaining the Equine Veterinary Nursing Science Degree; she also qualified as an equine artificial insemination technician in 2012. She is head nurse at Western Counties Equine Hospital, Devon. She has recently completed the Higher Education Clinical Veterinary Nursing Diploma and Advanced Veterinary Nursing diploma at Myerscough College.