The evolution of the critical-care specialty has resulted in changes in the structure of many large-animal referral hospitals for the treatment and management of the critically ill equine patient. The most noticeable change is that dedicated personnel, from clinicians to students, admit and manage emergent or critically ill equine patients in veterinary teaching hospitals. In many equine referral hospitals, attending clinicians have additionaltraining in large-animal emergency and critical care. Recent advancements in veterinary medicine have been used by equine specialists to provide improved care to the critically ill equine patient. This article will focus specifically on improvements in treating horses with surgical colic and traumatic orthopedic injuries. Additionally, it will comment on the crucial role the referring veterinarian plays in the diagnosis, referral, and successful treatment of the emergent equine patient.
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