list servers make information readily available to all clinicians, no matter where they are located. Addi- tionally, common surgery such as umbilical hernior- raphy in a young foal is often safely performed in the field. If no hospital is readily available in the geo- graphical area, complications are easier to defend because regional standards of care would dictate a field procedure. However, if a hospital is available and a complication occurs (even a commonly ac- cepted complication), you may have to defend your decision not to offer referral for the surgery. If you offered and the owner declined and you can provide documentation, no defense is needed. A certain percentage of horses will have a complication such as an infection or dehiscence; therefore, this issue may arise. This does not mean that every surgery
must be referred—just that documentation is necessary. If you have any suspicion that a malpractice suit
or complaint may be filed, it is imperative that you notify your malpractice carrier immediately. Fail- ure to inform a malpractice carrier in a timely man- ner may void your coverage. Even more importantly, they may have suggestions on how to proceed. The malpractice carriers and their attor- neys have much more experience and the legal knowledge to better handle the case. They may instruct you to cease communications with the client and let the attorney handle all ongoing issues. They will also provide you guidelines for the infor- mation you should start gathering to provide the most successful outcome.
