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Becoming a matter of veterinary concern
Rebecca Smith1, Gina Pinchbeck2, Catherine McGowan1
1Department of Equine Clinical Science, Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
Frontiers in Veterinary Science
|June 14, 2024
Summary
Older horses are living longer, and owners view them as family. Owners carefully assess their horse
Area of Science:
- Veterinary medicine
- Animal welfare
- Human-animal interactions
Background:
- Horses are living longer, with owners increasingly viewing them as family members.
- Older horses rely on owners for care, presenting unique challenges for veterinary attention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore how horse owners perceive and communicate issues concerning older horses to veterinarians.
- To understand the dynamics of owner-veterinarian interactions regarding geriatric equine health.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative research using grounded theory approach.
- Data collected and analyzed from 2019-2022.
- Exploration of owner and veterinarian experiences.
Main Results:
- Owners engage in continuous assessment and decision-making for older horses.
- Owners frame issues as veterinary concerns based on their knowledge and their horse's condition.
- Owner perceptions of being valued influence adherence to veterinary advice and future care seeking.
Conclusions:
- Veterinary concerns are contextual, influenced by owner experience and the owner-horse relationship.
- Owner-veterinarian interactions significantly shape the owner's engagement with veterinary care.
- The owner's perspective and relationship with their horse are crucial in defining and addressing health issues in older horses.
