‘Riding the Rollercoaster’: Veterinary Experiences of Managing Laminitis in Practice

Abstract

Reasons for performing studyLittle is reported about the successes and challenges experienced by veterinary surgeons while managing cases of laminitis. Such information could enhance the effectiveness of communication of management and preventive health strategies for laminitis.ObjectivesTo explore veterinary surgeons’ experiences of dealing with laminitis and examine how veterinary–client communication influences the treatment and management of cases.Study designFocus group discussions conducted among first‐opinion equine veterinary surgeons.MethodsFirst‐opinion ambulatory veterinary practices from Cheshire (n = 15), Lancashire (n = 14) and the Rutland region (n = 14) were identified. Letters of invitation were sent and all practices were telephoned to invite veterinary surgeons to participate in the study. Key questions relating to laminitis were explored within semi‐structured focus group discussions: veterinary perceptions of laminitis information, reasons for horse‐owners’ seeking veterinary advice, veterinary perceptions of horse‐owners’ knowledge, attitudes and practices, situations where the advice of other professionals may be sought. All discussions were recorded and transcribed verbatim. A thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo software.ResultsThree focus group discussions were held with veterinary surgeons with a range of experience; 2 in the North West (9 vets) and one in Rutland (4 vets). Emerging themes relating to veterinary surgeons’ experience of dealing with laminitis included; veterinary–client communication, challenges faced by vets, managing clients perceptions and expectations, client recognition and management of laminitis, feeding and obesity management, issues of compliance, causes of laminitis, strategies to prevent laminitis, diagnosing, treating and prognosticating in laminitis cases, sources of veterinary information and collaboration with other professionals.ConclusionsThe findings illustrate key features of the veterinary–client relationship in supporting owners through the variable course of this disease. This study demonstrates the complexity of issues that veterinary surgeons may encounter when managing cases of laminitis and communicating healthcare messages to the client.Ethical animal research: This project was approved by the University of Liverpool Ethics for Research Committee. Sources of funding: The authors gratefully acknowledge support and funding from the BVA Animal Welfare Foundation charitable trust. Competing interests: None.