Developing Evidence-based Guidelines Using Expert Opinion for the Management of Uterine Prolapse in Cattle

A bovine uterine prolapse is one of the true emergencies in farm animal practice. Currently many different approaches are used for this condition partly because of the lack of strong evidence for a 'best approach'. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of veterinary opinion via the Delphi consensus method in conjunction with published literature to create clinical guidelines for the treatment of bovine uterine prolapse. An online questionnaire was distributed via various sources to bovine practitioners worldwide; 692 practitioners from 46 countries completed the survey. An expert panel of 10 people from 8 countries was selected and participated in a further 2 consensus rounds. The study resulted in consensus of opinion for most aspects of uterine prolapse management and a practical clinical guideline was achieved. The use of expert opinion to develop evidence-based guidelines was well received by the profession and should be considered a useful tool for areas where published research evidence is poor.