🔁 Vet Insight 2025: Post-Colic Surgery Recovery and Return to Performance in Horses 🐴💪

Author: Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Colic surgery can be a life-saving intervention—but it also raises questions for owners about long-term outcomes and performance potential. Will the horse recover fully? Can it return to sport or previous activity levels? The good news is that many horses do—but the journey is complex. In this 2025 article, Dr Duncan Houston explores what current studies reveal about post-surgical prognosis and return to competition. 🐎📊

📈 What the Research Says

Two major studies reported:

• ✅ 81% and 90% of horses returned to their expected performance after colic surgery

These numbers are encouraging—but they don’t account for complications or recovery delays that influence long-term success. ⚠️

🛠️ Post-Surgery Recovery Timeline

Dr. Anthony Blikslager emphasizes that surgery is just the beginning. A typical recovery timeline includes:

• 📆 3 months of initial healing
• 📈 3 more months of structured rehab before full return to work

This six-month process varies depending on complications, conditioning, and pre-existing issues. 🕒

🔍 Common Post-Colic Complications

1️⃣ Incisional Hernias

• ⚠️ Occur in 8–16% of colic surgery cases
• 📉 Horses with hernias are 3x less likely to return to full use at one year

2️⃣ Post-Surgical Diarrhea

• 💩 Affects up to 30% of horses
• 📉 Causes weight loss and delays in conditioning

3️⃣ Laminitis

• 🔥 Rare but serious complication
• 🧬 Often tied to the severity of colic and quality of post-op care

4️⃣ Pre-Existing Lameness

• 🐎 Horses with lameness at the time of colic are less likely to return to full performance

🎯 Overall Return to Performance

While individual factors vary, when all complications and recovery issues are considered:

• 📊 About 50% of horses return to full performance post-colic surgery

This is crucial to understand when deciding on surgery, especially for older horses or those with pre-existing conditions. 💡

🧠 Dr Duncan Houston’s Advice

"Colic surgery can be lifesaving and career-saving—but owners must prepare for long-term care, structured rehab, and potential setbacks." 🐴🩺

📝 Key Considerations for Owners

• 💰 Surgery is costly, but delay increases risk of death
• 📦 Recovery requires time, consistency, and structured reintroduction to work
• 🩺 Regular monitoring and check-ins with your vet improve long-term outcomes

📋 Questions to Ask Before Surgery

• 🩺 Does my horse have any history of colic or lameness?
• 📈 What is the likelihood of a full recovery in this specific case?
• 🧬 Is a referral center available within a safe transport range?

🔚 Final Thoughts: Hope with Realism

Colic surgery isn’t a death sentence—and in many cases, it’s a ticket to full recovery. But it requires informed decision-making, proactive rehab, and realistic expectations. Know the risks, ask questions, and work closely with your vet for the best possible outcome. 🐎❤️

Need help planning post-op care or performance rehab? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app for expert support. 📱💪