Equine Obesity: Vet Client Communication

Background: Equine obesity remains one of the leading welfare concerns of UK horses. There is limited research into equine- specific veterinary communication techniques, and exploring the challenges veterinarians face discussing obesity with clients is vital to tackling the equine obesity issue. 
Objectives: To explore the experiences, perceptions and challenges of UK veterinary professionals discussing equine obesity with clients. 
Study design: Qualitative study with thematic analysis. 
Methods: Four semi-structured interviews and two focus groups were conducted (total n = 13 veterinarians and one veterinary nurse), exploring participants’ experiences of discussing equine obesity with clients. An iterative thematic analysis was used to identify common themes, and a conceptual model was created to understand the diverse approaches to the equine weight consults. 
Results: Veterinarians observed obese/ overweight horses daily, yet many did not approach the topic with every owner. Participants described that an “ideal” weight consult required adequate time, follow-ups and tailored weight management strategies. However, prohibiting factors such as time limitations, potentially offending a client and their current horse keeping environment, prevented the ideal conversation from taking place. Veterinarians implemented coping strategies such as humour, catchphrases and “straight- talking” to maintain dialogue with the client about their weight concerns. The clients’ response could affect if and how future discussions occurred, with vets feeling either emboldened or jaded and frustrated. 
Main limitations: A small sample size was obtained for this study; a greater number of participants of different ages, genders and educational backgrounds could be beneficial. 
Conclusions: This study demonstrated the complex interplay of client understanding, veterinarian communication style and interpersonal factors, which evolve within the equine weight conversation. The results have contributed to what we as a profession know about communication during difficult discussions and how it not only affects the present conversation outcome, but future approaches to discussing weight. 
Ethical animal research: Approved by the University of Liverpool ethics committee. 
Informed consent: All participants gave consent. 
Competing interests: BEVA supported the study concept and advertising. 
Sources of funding: G. Lindley was funded by the Wellcome Trust; T. Furtado is funded by The Horse Trust.

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