Episode 105 - Post Colic Surgery Rehabilitation

Episode 105 - Post Colic Surgery Rehabilitation

Returning to performance after colic surgery does not necessarily mean that a horse's core function has fully recovered.

In this episode, Dr. Raquel Butler and Sophie Vandenberg discuss rehabilitation following colic surgery, including how abdominal surgery can affect core strength, posture, breathing and movement. They outline a staged approach that begins with wound management and gut health, then progresses through stability, functional activation, strength and a carefully assessed return to riding.

We discuss:

• Why return to performance is not a complete measure of recovery
• How scar tissue and internal adhesions may influence comfort and function
• Early priorities including wound management, circulation, gut health, hoof balance and breathing
• How feeding posture can support balance and gentle abdominal activity
• The difference between true core activation and abdominal bracing as exercises progress
• What to assess before returning a horse to riding or normal paddock activity

To learn more about Dr Raquel Butler visit:

Facebook: Integrated Veterinary Therapeutics

Website: https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com.au

To learn more about Sophie Vandenberg:

Facebook: Equine Posturelate - Sophie Vandenberg

Have any questions or topics you'd love us to cover?

Email us at: equinefunctionalposture@gmail.com