Topic:Colic
Colic is a common gastrointestinal condition in horses characterized by abdominal pain and discomfort. It can result from various causes, including gas buildup, intestinal blockage, or inflammation. The severity of colic can vary, ranging from mild discomfort to life-threatening situations requiring surgical intervention. Signs of colic in horses may include restlessness, pawing at the ground, rolling, and changes in eating or drinking behavior. Diagnosis often involves physical examination, rectal palpation, and sometimes imaging techniques. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may involve medical management or surgical procedures. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and management of colic in horses.
Surgical Assessment and Post-Operative Complications Following Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) of Horses with Severe Equine Pasture Asthma During Asthma Exacerbation and Remission. The aim of this retrospective clinical study was to assess surgical duration and surgical and post-operative complications associated with Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) and lung biopsy in horses with severe Equine Pasture Asthma (EPA) and paired control horses. Twelve horses (6 EPA-affected, 6 control) were sex, age and breed matched. Twenty-four thoracic surgeries were performed. Surgery of each matched pair (EPA-affected and healthy) was performed during asthma exacerbation (summer) and remission (winter). Surgical times were shorter with uncomplicated thoracoscopy (85 min) and...
Performance outcomes are not reduced following colic surgery in warmblood jumping horses. To provide performance data of warmblood jumping horses following colic surgery. Unassigned: This retrospective case series reviewed clinical records of 5 equine hospitals with the inclusion criteria of warmblood horses undergoing colic surgery between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2021, surviving to discharge, and being registered as a hunter or jumper with the US Equestrian Federation. Clinical data included age, sex, and lesion type. Performance data included discipline, jump height, number of starts, number of wins, and number of placings. Pre- and postoperative data were analyzed sepa...
Arteritis, aneurysm and thromboembolic colic caused by migration of Strongylus vulgaris larvae in equids. Strongylus vulgaris remains a significant cause of disease in equids, especially in regions with insufficient deworming practices. Objective: To describe the epidemiological, clinical, pathological, and parasitological findings of vascular and extravascular lesions associated with S. vulgaris in equids. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on necropsy reports from equids examined at the Animal Pathology Laboratory, Federal University of Campina Grande (2000-2024), targeting cases of vascular lesions associated with S. vulgaris. Epidemiological, clinical, and pathological findings we...
Donkey and Hybrid Anaesthetic Mortality in an Observational, Prospective, Multicentre Cohort Study. Equid anaesthetic mortality is of interest to practitioners. Data for donkey and hybrid mortality have not been specifically described. The main aim of this worldwide observational, prospective, multicentre cohort study was to report on mortality in the 7 days following a general anaesthetic or standing sedation in donkeys and hybrids. This study hypothesised that donkeys and hybrids would have higher mortalities compared to horses. Data were collected as part of the fourth Confidential Enquiry into Perioperative Equine Fatalities (CEPEF4). A total of 825 cases were included, with 757 donkeys ...
The Confidential Enquiry into Perioperative Equine Fatalities: phase 4 (CEPEF4) – a worldwide observational, prospective, multicentre cohort study in 2025. To report on the Confidential Enquiry into Perioperative Equine Fatalities 4 (CEPEF4). Methods: Confidential, observational, prospective, multicentre, cohort study. Methods: 47,396 horses/ponies undergoing general anaesthesia (GA). Methods: Characteristics of each GA (249 variables) were collected. Outcomes after seven days were ALIVE (or discharged), EUTHANASIA or DEAD. Logistic regression analysed patient demographics and the anaesthetic drugs (p < 0.05). Results: Data were collected from 47,396 GAs in 93 centres in 28 countries. Death rates were 1.2% overall, 0.6% for cases classified as NO...
Perioperative factors and outcomes associated with antimicrobial therapy duration in horses undergoing exploratory celiotomy. The objective was to compare perioperative factors that may influence clinician decisions regarding antimicrobial therapy duration and outcomes in horses undergoing exploratory celiotomy. Unassigned: Horses > 1 mo of age undergoing exploratory celiotomy for colic that survived without repeat celiotomy for ≥ 5 d. Unassigned: Retrospective cohort study. Cases were grouped by duration of antimicrobial therapy: G1, ≤ 24 h; G2, 1 to 3 d; G3, > 3 d. Admission, surgical, and postoperative data from the medical records and long-term outcome assessed telephone follow-up were compared among g...
Equine veterinarians’ care priorities regarding vaccination, colic, lameness and pre-purchase scenarios. Equine veterinarians play a crucial role in maintaining equine health and ensuring client satisfaction. Understanding their perspectives on key aspects of veterinary care is essential for optimising outcomes for both clients and horses. Objective: To identify and compare the importance equine veterinarians place on seven key aspects of client satisfaction in equine veterinary practice (quality of care, quality of service, horsemanship, interpersonal skills, transfer of knowledge, financial aspects and professionalism) across four different scenarios. Methods: A cross-sectional survey-based stu...
Alterations in the Peritoneal Fluid Proteome of Horses with Colic Attributed to Ischemic and Non-Ischemic Intestinal Disease. Peritoneal fluid (PF) is intimately associated with the gastrointestinal tract, and changes in the PF may directly reflect abdominal pathology. We aimed to quantify differences in the PF proteome between intestinal lesion type (ischemic vs. non-ischemic) and location (small vs. large intestine). PF samples were collected at hospital admission from horses presenting for abdominal pain (colic). Cases were clinically categorized by lesion type and location after resolution (10 per group). PF proteins were extracted and quantified by label-free liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy. Data ...
Effect of a ventral midline colopexy on large colon volvulus recurrence and days to next live foal in Thoroughbred broodmares. To report the impact of ventral midline colopexy on colic, recurrence of large colon volvulus (LCV) and time to next live foal. Methods: Retrospective case control study. Methods: A total of 188 Thoroughbred broodmares surgically treated for LCV (2016-2020). Methods: Horses treated for LCV were grouped based on whether they received a colopexy (CP) or did not (NCP). All broodmares that underwent a second LCV surgery were subsequently categorized into two groups: those that received a colopexy (RCP) and those that did not (NRCP). Differences in the number of horses with large colon compromise, ...
How to perform abdominocentesis and interpret abdominal fluid in equine patients. To describe and demonstrate the collection of abdominal fluid from a standing, sedated equine patient. Unassigned: 1 healthy university-owned animal was used for abdominocentesis demonstration. Images from various clinical cases from the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital are shown. Unassigned: Under standing sedation, a 10 X 10-cm area is clipped and aseptically prepared on the most dependent portion of the abdomen to the right of midline. One to 2 mL of 2% lidocaine is instilled subcutaneously and into the abdominal musculature at the abdominocentesis site. A stab incision i...
Integration of machine learning and viscoelastic testing to improve survival prediction in horses experiencing acute abdominal pain at a veterinary teaching hospital. Viscoelastic coagulation testing (VCT) identifies subclinical disruption of coagulation homeostasis and may improve prognostication, particularly for patients with severe systemic inflammation or shock. Machine learning (ML) algorithms may capture complex relationships between clinical variables better than linear regression (GLM). Objective: To evaluate the utility of ML models incorporating VCT and clinical data to predict survival outcomes in horses with acute abdominal pain. Methods: Retrospective observational cohort study. Methods: VCT (VCM Vet™) was performed on 57 horses with acute a...
Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma With Widespread Metastases in an Arabian Mare. This report describes a case of massive renal cell carcinoma (RCC) causing mild chronic colic in a 20-day-postpartum Arabian mare. The mare presented with deteriorating abdominal pain following normal parturition. Clinical examination revealed tachycardia, tachypnoea, weak intestinal motility and pale mucosal membranes. Rectal examination identified a very large mass in the caudal part of the abdominal cavity, and abdominal ultrasound examination revealed a huge space-occupying mass with renal architecture. During midline exploratory laparotomy, a massive tumour was observed in the anatomical ...
Equine colic: A comprehensive overview of the sonographic evaluation, diagnostic criteria, and management of different categories. Colic or acute abdominal pain is the most prevalent cause of emergency intervention in veterinary medicine, and it has been considered the principal reason for collapse and/or euthanasia in a wide range of studies. The condition may be initiated by a number of different disorders affecting the abdominal viscera, but acute gut disease is the most common etiology in equines showing colic symptoms. of the main goals of colic management is to distinguish between surgical and medical causes, as prompt surgical intervention can significantly improve outcomes for those requiring surgery. Despite the ...
Fecal Secretory Immunoglobulin A and Lactate Level as a Biomarker of Mucosal Immune Dysfunction in Horses With Colic. Colic-related obstructions can reduced intestinal mucosa function and cause dysbiosis in horses, but it is unclear how defense barrier and secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) secretion is disrupted. Objective: The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of severity of colic signs and treatments on fecal SIgA and fecal lactate in horses. Methods: Sixty-two client owned hospitalised horses with colic and eight healthy horses. Methods: Prospective clinical trial. Fecal samples were taken daily for 7 days. SIgA was analyzed using ELISA, and D/L-lactate measured with a commercial kit. Results: A...
Equine colic outcomes and prognostic factors at a South African academic hospital (2019-2021). Colic is a common equine emergency requiring medical or surgical intervention. These interventions can be costly, making outcomes data and prognostic indicators essential for guiding referral and treatment decisions. Objective: To determine survival rates to hospital discharge and evaluate prognostic indicators in equine colic cases treated at a referral hospital (Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital [OVAH], South Africa). Methods: This retrospective observational cohort study analysed records from horses with colic that were presented to the OVAH from January 2019 to August 2021. Data i...
A single-centre retrospective study of surgical site infection following equine colic surgery (2013‒2021). Surgical site infection (SSI) is a significant cause of postoperative morbidity following equine laparotomy. Therefore, if risk factors for SSI can be identified, morbidity may consequently be reduced. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of SSI in horses undergoing exploratory laparotomy at a single hospital over an 8-year period (2013‒2021), investigate the risk factors associated with SSI and report on the bacterial isolates identified. Methods: The medical records of horses that had an exploratory laparotomy performed at the teaching hospital due to colic were r...
Real-time ancillary diagnostics for intraoperative assessment of intestinal viability in horses-looking for answers across species. Clinical intestinal viability assessment is associated with significant limitations, and there is an undisputable need for ancillary diagnostics during colic surgery. Human and companion animal surgeons struggle with similar intraoperative issues, yet there is little exchange between specialists. Therefore, this narrative review aimed to create an overview of real-time ancillary diagnostics with the potential for intraoperative intestinal viability assessment in horses. Most real-time ancillary diagnostics can be classified as either tissue perfusion or oxygenation assessments. Intestinal perf...
Symmetric and asymmetric dimethylarginines in healthy and colic horses. This study investigated the plasma concentrations of symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) in healthy horses and in horses affected by colic in relation to the type of colic and systemic inflammation response syndrome (SIRS) status. Upon admission (T0), horses underwent a physical examination, and the SIRS status was assessed. The horses with colic were divided retrospectively based on the type of colic, SIRS status, treatment, and outcome. SDMA and ADMA levels were measured at T0 and then every 24 h at four time points (T1, T2, T3, T4). Differences between ...
Longitudinal Changes in Fecal Microbiota During Hospitalization in Horses With Different Types of Colic. Research on fecal microbiota changes during hospitalization of horses with colic is emerging. Objective: Describe changes of the fecal microbiota during hospitalization of horses with colic caused by inflammatory (INFL), simple (SIMPLE), and strangulated (STR) obstructions, and investigate associations with survival. Methods: Twenty-three horses with colic: 9 in INFL, 5 in STR, and 9 in SIMPLE groups. Seventeen horses survived, and 6 were euthanized. Methods: Prospective observational study. Fecal samples were collected on admission (D1), on days 3 (D3) and 5 (D5). Bacterial taxonomy profiling...
Ovarian hemorrhage as the primary cause of hemoperitoneum in cycling and pregnant Miniature Horse mares. To determine whether Miniature Horse mares are predisposed to hemoperitoneum from nonneoplastic ovarian hemorrhage and report the clinical characteristics of this disorder. Methods: 51 equines with hemoperitoneum, including 22 nonminiature mares and 9 Miniature Horse mares, identified by searching medical records of a tertiary large animal hospital for confirmed hemoperitoneum cases between 2012 and 2023. Methods: Signs of hemoperitoneum in miniature mares included lethargy, inappetence, colic, tachycardia, and moderate to severe anemia (PCV ranging from 11% to 19%). Five miniature mares did n...
Can Arterial Blood Gas, Electrolyte and Acid-Base Analysis at Admission be Used to Predict Survival to Hospital Discharge for Different Causes of Colic? Predicting outcome in horses presenting with colic remains challenging. Objective: To test whether arterial blood samples in horses admitted for colic predict outcome to hospital discharge for different colic types. Methods: Arterial blood samples collected on admission from 358 horses undergoing medical or surgical management of colic were evaluated for pH, PaO, PaCO, Na, K, iCa, Cl, HCO (P), HCO (P, set), Base (B), Base (ecf) and anion gap. Categories were small intestinal non-strangulating (SINS) or strangulating (SIS) lesions, large colon non-volvulus (LCNV) or volvulus (LCV), small colo...
Iatrogenic cecal perforation after abdominal drain placement on a horse. A 16-year-old, French saddlebred horse was referred for examination because of colic signs, diagnosed with incarceration of the jejunum in a mesoduodenic rent, and subsequently treated surgically (with an end-to-end anastomosis of the jejunum and an enterotomy of the pelvic flexure). The horse initially recovered without complications; however, on the following day, it exhibited moderate signs of endotoxemia and severe serosanguineous discharge from the abdominal wound. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed substantial peritoneal effusion, necessitating the placement of an abdominal drain. The bl...
Age is associated with the requirement for surgery in horses with nephrosplenic ligament entrapment of the large colon at a single UK equine referral hospital. Conservative and surgical management of left dorsal displacement and nephrosplenic ligament entrapment of the large colon (NSLE) is well described in horses. Whilst breed factors predispose the development of NSLE, it is unknown if breed affects the likelihood for surgical intervention. Objective: To compare the incidence of surgical intervention and differences in pre-operative parameters between Thoroughbred and non-Thoroughbred horses. The authors hypothesise a higher proportion of Thoroughbreds require surgical intervention. Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional study. Methods: Case recor...
Characteristics of meconium impaction/retention in newborn foals: From 2006 to 2024. Meconium impaction/retention is a significant cause of colic in foals. Historically, limitations of both medical and surgical treatment are noted. Outcomes of meconium impaction/retention have not recently been reported. Unassigned: To describe case characteristics and outcomes in foals with meconium impaction/retention. Unassigned: Retrospective, single referral hospital. Unassigned: Medical records from 2006 to 2024 were searched for foals ≤3 days old with a history of straining to defecate, abdominal distention, colic, weakness and/or tail flagging. Signalment, presenting complaint, treat...
Retrospective evaluation of the effect of xylazine infusion on survival to discharge in horses undergoing exploratory laparotomy for colic. To determine the influence of xylazine infusion on survival to discharge and describe the associated intraoperative requirement for isoflurane, use of positive inotropes and vasopressors, and recovery time in horses undergoing exploratory laparotomy. Methods: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: A total of 352 horses. Methods: Medical records of horses undergoing anesthesia for exploratory laparotomy from January 2018 to December 2023 were reviewed. Data collected included survival to discharge, results of diagnostic tests, end tidal isoflurane concentration (FE'Iso), use of vasopressors/inotr...
From Prediction to Precision: Explainable AI-Driven Insights for Targeted Treatment in Equine Colic. Colic is a leading cause of mortality in horses, demanding precise and timely interventions. This study integrates machine learning and explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) to predict survival outcomes in horses with colic, using clinical, procedural, and diagnostic data. Random forest and XGBoost emerged as top-performing models, achieving F1 scores of 85.9% and 86.1%, respectively. SHAP (Shapley additive explanations) was employed to provide interpretable insights, offering both global and local explanations for model predictions. The analysis revealed that key features, such as pulse r...
Comparison of two techniques to blind end jejunum and ileum for jejunocaecostomy in horses. Jejunocaecostomy (JC) is frequently required to bypass diseased ileum as a side-to-side (SS) anastomosis with blind end closure of the small intestine. The effects of the blind end closure method on the performance of the anastomosis have not been studied. Objective: To compare handsewn and stapled blind end closures of the ileum and jejunum. Methods: In vivo experiments. Methods: JC was performed with either Parker-Kerr (PK; 6 horses) or oversewn stapled technique (OS; 6 horses) to close jejunum and ileum for an SS anastomosis. At surgery, peritoneal fluid was analysed and various anastomotic...
Clinicopathologic Parameters of Peritoneal Fluid as Predictors of Gastrointestinal Lesions, Complications, and Outcomes in Equine Colic Patients: A Retrospective Study. Neutrophil characteristics in peritoneal fluid (PF) may aid in diagnosing and treating specific colic lesions and complications. The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate quantitative PF leukocyte values, as well as PF total protein (TP) and lactate, for associations with diagnosis, morbidity, and mortality in horses with acute colic. Three hundred and forty-two horses that presented to one institution between January 2010-2020 for the evaluation of acute colic were included. The PF total nucleated cell count (TNCC), % and total neutrophil counts, total protein (TP), and lactat...
Comparison of end-to-side versus side-to-side jejunocecostomy in horses. To compare end-to-side (ES) and side-to-side (SS) jejunocecostomy (JC) in healthy horses. Methods: Experimental study in vivo. Methods: A total of 14 healthy adult horses underwent ventral midline celiotomy, a resection, and either an ES (n = 7) or stapled SS (n = 7) JC. Methods: Surgical times and the external lengths of completed anastomoses were measured. Physical examinations and pain scoring were performed every 6 h for 5 days, then once daily until euthanasia and necropsy 28 days postoperatively. Results: The anastomosis was completed more rapidly (p < .002) with the SS...
Reference intervals for equine fecal calprotectin and calprotectin:protein ratio and preliminary clinical evaluation in horses with colic and colitis. To establish the reference interval (RI) of fecal calprotectin (fCP) and fCP:protein ratio in the feces of healthy horses and demonstrate preliminary clinical utility for the quantification of intestinal inflammation. Methods: Feces were collected from healthy horses (n = 103) and horses with colic (n = 15) or colitis (n = 13). Feces were suspended in buffer to create fecal supernatant. Fecal calprotectin concentration was determined by ELISA, fecal total protein concentration was determined by bicinchoninic acid assay, and the fCP:protein ratio was calculated. Reference intervals for fCP and ...