Small intestinal intussusception in horses: Multicentre retrospective report on 26 cases (2009‐2020)

Abstract

SummaryBackgroundIntussusception is an infrequent cause of equine colic, most commonly encountered in young horses. This condition occurs due to abnormalities of motility and frequently includes the caecum.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to review the cases of equine small intestinal (SI) intussusception excluding those with caecal involvement.Study designCase series, analytical retrospective study.MethodsMedical records of all horses that had SI intussusception, not involving the caecum, from three equine clinics between 2009 and 2020 were reviewed. Information obtained included: clinical parameters, surgical or necropsy findings, complications and outcome. The Mann‐Whitney U test was used to compare the outcome and complications with various parameters. Fisher’s exact test was used to compare short‐term survival with categorical variables. Significance was set at p ≤ 0.05.ResultsTwenty‐six horses met the inclusion criteria. Median age of horses was 9 months (interquartile range 2.8 months–6.5 years). Relevant history included diarrhoea and general anaesthesia. Twenty‐two out of 26 horses were diagnosed during surgery and 4 at necropsy. During surgery, 5 horses were subjected to euthanasia, 9 underwent manual reduction and 8 underwent resection and anastomosis. The postoperative complication rate was high at 47% and included ileus, diarrhoea and colic. The prognosis decreased when the involved segment was longer (p = 0.032), lactate levels were higher (p = 0.024) and reflux was present before admission (p = 0.024). Of all horses, 53% survived to discharge and 92% of these survived for >1 year post‐operatively (one case was lost to follow‐up).Main limitationThe retrospective nature of the study and the low number of cases included.ConclusionsSmall intestinal intussusception was diagnosed in horses of a variety of breeds and ages. Alterations of motility can predispose to intussusception, not only due to hypermotility (diarrhoea), but also due to hypomotility (anaesthesia). Prognosis for hospital discharge was fair; however, following hospital discharge, the long‐term survival rate is high and complications are rare.