On the question of colic: Are answers beginning to emerge?

In EVJ’s last issue, Dr Martin Burton challenged the veterinary world to prepare and publish systematic reviews that will inform veterinary practice [1]. Dr Burton’s comments were in response to our publication of our first systematic review addressing interventions for dynamic intermittent dorsal displacement of the soft palate [2]. Clinicians looking for other, similarly robust pieces of evidence in relation to either surgical or medical interventions in the horse are likely to be rather disappointed. Nevertheless, in clinical and applied research relating to colic, numerous groups internationally are working on clinically relevant research questions relating to this major cause of equine mortality. Much early work on colic surgery was published in EVJ by Professor Barrie Edwards and his colleagues, eventually going on to establish a huge database on risk factors and outcome following colic surgery in general [3]. There is now a need to refine our questions about colic more specifically to build up evidence that will influence clinical practice.