Owners’ Knowledge and Approaches to Colic in Working Equids in Honduras

SIMPLE SUMMARY: There are approximately 275,000 equids in Honduras, with many providing tractional assistance to human lives and livelihoods. The aim of this study was to define the role and improve the welfare of working equids through obtaining a baseline understanding of equine colic or ‘abdominal pain’ in the Choluteca region of Honduras. The objectives were: to explore owners’ current understanding of colic in Honduras through questionnaires and to identify knowledge gaps where educational materials could benefit owners and working equid welfare. Ninety-three verbal questionnaires were conducted with owners from eleven different communities in the Choluteca region on their use of working equids and knowledge and treatment of colic. Additional context was gained through observations and verbal questionnaires with three veterinary practitioners and eight agricultural pharmacy (agrovet) store owners. Equids played a role in firewood collection, the transportation of people, and carrying crops. Most owners with previous experience of colic had treated it themselves, typically using their own remedies. Owners with prior knowledge or experience of colic expressed concern about the condition. Across all stakeholders, knowledge and understanding of colic varied, and access to evidence-based treatments for owners was very limited. Areas for improving education on equine colic were highlighted in this study. ABSTRACT: In Honduras, many families are reliant on working equids in their daily life. The aim of this study was to evaluate knowledge about, and approaches to colic used by owners of working equids in Choluteca, Honduras using a phenomenological approach. Semi-structured, verbal questionnaires were conducted with ninety-three owners from eleven different communities in the Choluteca region on equid horse owners’ knowledge of colic and treatments. Additional context was gained through observations and verbal questionnaires with three veterinary practitioners and eight agricultural pharmacy (agrovet) store owners. Working equids were commonly used for firewood collection 31% (40/126), transportation 24% (30/126), and carrying crops 13% (17/126). Thirty-eight percent of owners (35/92) said they did not know what colic was, 27% (24/89) could not name any clinical signs, and 46% (42/92) could not name any causes. Most owners with previous experience of colic had treated it themselves 79% (53/67), typically using herbal remedies. Colic was a major concern for owners of working equids who had prior experience or knowledge of the condition. Knowledge and understanding of colic varied, and access to evidence-based treatments was very limited. The findings will be used to inform the development of educational resources on colic in working equids.