Abstract
It is a clinical impression that horses diagnosed with a right dorsal displacement (RDD) of the large colon, are more likely to suffer from recurrent episodes of colic post operatively, compared to other forms of nonstrangulating large colon displacement. To investigate whether the type of nonstrangulating large colon displacement identified at exploratory laparotomy would influence long-term outcome. Horses identified with a RDD of the large colon at exploratory laparotomy would be more likely to experience recurrent episodes of post operative colic than other types of displacement. Medical records for horses undergoing an exploratory laparotomy, from 2000-2008, for a nonstrangulating large colon displacement were reviewed. Data retrieved included: subject details, previous medical history, details of current episodes of colic, results of preoperative examination, surgical findings and procedures, post operative management and complications. Follow-up information was obtained by reference to computerised clinical records and by telephone questionnaire administered to the horse's owner or carer, and included details of any colic episodes exhibited by the horse after discharge and whether a repeat celiotomy had been required to resolve the colic episodes. There were 165 surgeries identified, in 154 horses. It was found that those horses with RDD were significantly more likely to experience recurrent episodes of colic requiring veterinary intervention post operatively compared to other types of displacement. Long-term prognosis and likelihood of post operative complications is an important consideration for both owners and veterinarians.
Highlights
Displacement or volvulus of the large colon in the horse is a common cause of colic, accounting for 33.7% of horses undergoing an exploratory laparotomy in one study (Mair and Smith 2005a)
It was found that those horses with right dorsal displacement (RDD) were significantly more likely to experience recurrent episodes of colic requiring veterinary intervention post operatively compared to other types of displacement
It is a clinical impression that horses, diagnosed with a RDD of the large colon, are more likely to suffer from recurrent episodes of colic post operatively, compared to other forms of nonstrangulating large colon displacement
Summary
Displacement or volvulus of the large colon in the horse is a common cause of colic, accounting for 33.7% of horses undergoing an exploratory laparotomy in one study (Mair and Smith 2005a). The prognosis for surgical correction is considered to be excellent, as long as no vascular compromise has occurred (Hackett 2002; Rakestraw and Hardy 2006), it is recognised that recurrent displacement can manifest itself post operatively, sometimes as quickly as within 48 h of the original surgery (Hardy 2008). Either in the immediate post operative period or subsequent to discharge from the hospital, has been recognised as a significant factor in long-term post operative survival for both small and large intestinal lesions (Mair and Smith 2005b; Proudman et al 2005). There are data published on the long-term survival for horses undergoing surgery for large intestinal disease (Proudman et al 2005), there are no published data that either support or refute this theory
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