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.
Standing Hand-Assisted Laparoscopic Diagnosis and Treatment of a Rare Case of Uterine Adenocarcinoma in an 18-Year-Old Mare. An 18-year-old French Trotter mare was presented to the Clinique Equine, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, for exploration of a 3-month-duration vaginal bleeding. A transrectal ultrasound examination identified a mass within the right uterine horn wall, which had been suspected during transrectal palpation. It was described as a firm heterogeneous intramural mass (7 × 12 cm) in the right uterine horn, located few centimeters cranially to the bifurcation. Hysteroscopy confirmed the ulcerated and irregular shape of the mass. A standing hand-assisted flank laparoscopy was performed to ca...
Is There Still a Place for Lidocaine in the (Postoperative) Management of Colics? Intravenous lidocaine is widely used to prevent or treat postoperative ileus in horses. Clinical studies that support this approach are flawed and contradicted by others. Also, physical obstruction could be more important in causing postoperative reflux than postoperative ileus in the horse. The antiinflammatory properties of lidocaine and the role of inflammation from intestinal handling in the genesis of postoperative reflux are questionable. Because of cost and questionable efficacy of lidocaine, a well-designed clinical trial is required to support its continued use. However, lidocaine cou...
A retrospective study of fecal output and postprocedure colic in 246 horses undergoing standing sedation with detomidine, or general anesthesia with or without detomidine. To determine time to first passage of feces, total fecal piles and incidence of colic in the first 24 hours postprocedure in horses undergoing standing sedation with detomidine, or general anesthesia with or without detomidine. Methods: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: A total of 246 horses. Methods: Records of all horses that underwent standing sedation or general anesthesia between December 2012 and March 2016 were reviewed. Horses aged <6 months, admitted for colic or cesarean section, with inadequate data, and those not administered xylazine and/or detomidine were excluded. Records inc...
Preliminary results on the association with feeding and recovery length in equine colic patients after laparotomy. Colic is a serious disease for horses and the nutritional management of postoperative colic patients is an extremely important field. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyse the different factors, especially related to nutritional management, that may be associated with recovery length during hospitalization after a surgical intervention for colic, using a multivariate model. Data were collected from the records of horses presented to two hospitals and undergoing surgery for colic. The length (days) of recovery was the outcome of interest and was taken into account as a reference pa...
Complications and survival in horses with surgically confirmed right dorsal displacement of the large colon. This study compared post-operative complications and survival in horses with right dorsal displacement of the large colon (RDD) and horses with other non-strangulating large colon (NSLC) lesions. Data were obtained from medical records of horses undergoing exploratory laparotomy from 2000 to 2016 and from owner questionnaire. Of 137 horses that fitted the inclusion criteria, 67 (49%) had RDD and 70 (51%) had NSLC lesions. Twenty-eight horses with RDD (42%) and 27 horses with NSLC (39%) experienced ≥ 1 complication after surgery. The RDD group showed more severe complications than the NSLC gr...
A longitudinal study of the faecal microbiome and metabolome of periparturient mares. Periparturient mares are at increased risk of colic including large colon volvulus, which has a high mortality rate. Alterations in colonic microbiota related to either physiological or management changes, or both, that occur at this time have been suggested as potential causes for increased colic risk in this population of horses. Although the effect of management changes on the horse faecal microbiota has been investigated, limited work has been conducted to investigate changes in faecal microbiota structure and function in the periparturient period. The objectives of the current study were ...
Differences in plasma and peritoneal fluid proteomes identifies potential biomarkers associated with survival following strangulating small intestinal disease. Strangulating small intestinal disease (SSID) carries a poor prognosis for survival in comparison to other types of colic, particularly if resection is required. Identification of markers which aid early diagnosis may prevent the need for resection, assist with more accurate prognostication and/or support the decision on whether surgical intervention is likely to be successful, would be of significant welfare benefit. Objective: To apply an unbiased methodology to investigate the plasma and peritoneal fluid proteomes in horses diagnosed with SSID requiring resection, to identify novel biomarke...
Colic Prevention to Avoid Colic Surgery: A Surgeon’s Perspective. Management factors associated with colic, particularly related to stall confinement and nutrition, have been linked to alterations in gastrointestinal mucosal transport, motility, and microbiome, which in turn creates conditions that induce colic. In particular, meal feeding creates large changes in water movement in and out of the colon and alters the microbiome. These conditions may in turn result in colic conditions such as large colon impaction or large colon volvulus. In addition, a range of management and nutritional factors have been found to place horses at risk of select colic conditi...
Preoperative factors associated with resection and anastomosis in horses presenting with strangulating lesions of the small intestine. To determine if preoperative and intraoperative clinical variables correlate with resection and anastomosis (RA) in horses presenting with strangulating small intestinal (SI) lesions. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Horses undergoing exploratory celiotomy for a strangulating SI lesion (n = 243). Methods: The records of horses undergoing surgical correction for strangulating SI lesions from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2017 were reviewed. Horses were categorized as treated with RA or not treated with RA. Obtained information included history, signalment, clinical findings, d...
[Intramural jejunal lipoma in the small intestine of a young Arabian horse causing invagination of the jejunum]. A 2-year-old Arabian horse was presented with severe colic symptoms. During explorative laparotomy, a jejuno-jejunal invagination secondary to a submucosal intestinal mass was detected. The involved jejunal segment was surgically removed and an end-to-end anastomosis was created. Opening the specimen demonstrated the presence of a nodular mass on the head of the intussusceptum, measuring 10 cm in diameter, and almost completely obliterating the intestinal lumen. Additionally, a severe hyperemia of the jejunal mucosa was visible. Histological examination, which revealed a well-demarcated mass...
Health and Body Conditions of Riding School Horses Housed in Groups or Kept in Conventional Tie-Stall/Box Housing. We compared welfare measures of horses among Swedish riding schools (RS) during winter where horses were kept either in group housing ( = 8) or in tie-stalls/boxes ( = 8), Health data for six previous months were obtained for all horses at each RS from their records. Ten horses per RS were examined, with the exception of one where only 8 horses were examined. Health conditions and body condition score (BCS) using the Henneke scale were recorded and management factors were quantified (health check routines, feeding, housing-related risk factors, time outside). RS-recorded health data (for 327 h...
The Effect of Core Abdominal Muscle Rehabilitation Exercises on Return to Training and Performance in Horses After Colic Surgery. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to test the hypothesis that performing 4 weeks of core abdominal rehabilitation exercises (CARE) postoperatively would be safe and associated with faster return to training and improved performance after colic surgery. Performance horses that recovered from colic surgery performed by the same surgeon and survived ≥ 1 year from 2008 to 2017 were included. Data were obtained from a review of medical records. Information about the horses' rehabilitation and performance was obtained from owners/trainers. Data from horses that completed a 4-week CARE pr...
Surgical treatment of epiploic foramen entrapment in 142 horses (2008-2016). To report the clinical features, outcomes, and prognostic factors associated with the surgical treatment of epiploic foramen entrapment (EFE). Methods: Retrospective study at a single referral hospital. Methods: Horses (n = 142) undergoing surgery (n = 145) for EFE. Methods: Preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative data of surgeries on horses that underwent exploratory laparotomy for EFE were obtained. The postoperative outcome was assessed by follow-up telephone calls with the owners/caregivers. Factors associated with postoperative reflux (POR), relaparotomy, hospital discharge...
Comparison of three acute colic pain scales: Reliability, validity and usability. A valid, reliable and usable scale is needed for assessing severity of acute abdominal pain in horses. The study aim was to compare three different scales: (1) the equine acute abdominal pain scale (EAAPS); (2) a scale described by Mair and Smith (2005; M and S); and (3) a numerical rating scale (NRS). Forty brief films of horses (35 of colic cases and five of control horses) were randomly presented to 46 equine veterinarians from different countries. Participants, randomly divided into three groups, each used one scale. Five randomly selected films were shown twice for determining intra-obser...
Predictive value of plasma and peritoneal creatine kinase in horses with strangulating intestinal lesions. To determine the ability of plasma and peritoneal creatine kinase (CK) to predict the presence of a strangulating lesion in horses presented for colic. Methods: Prospective clinical study. Methods: Ten healthy control horses and 61 clinical colic cases. Methods: Creatine kinase activity was measured in peritoneal fluid and plasma of 10 healthy horses and 61 horses presenting for colic (40 horses with nonstrangulating lesions and 21 horses with strangulating lesions). Information on other blood and peritoneal fluid variables, signalment, results from the physical examination, outcome, requireme...
Serum amyloid A concentration in postoperative colic horses and its association with postoperative complications. To determine serum amyloid A (SAA) concentrations in the postoperative (PO) colic horse and its association with PO complications and infection. Methods: Prospective case series. Methods: Fifty-one horses after colic surgery. Methods: Blood samples from horses undergoing exploratory celiotomy were analyzed for quantitative SAA and fibrinogen concentrations and for neutrophil count at days 0, 1, 2, and 4-6 and at hospital discharge. Results: Complications developed in 35 (69%) horses and included PO colic (n = 13, 25%), PO reflux (n = 11, 22%), intravenous catheter (IVC) complications (...
Colic in the British military working horse population: a retrospective analysis. Colic is a common and potentially life-threatening condition of horses. Multiple risk factors have been previously identified and it is known that a careful management routine can help reduce colic rates. The British military working horse population represents a unique cohort of horses that are intensively managed with a strict regimen. This retrospective study examined the incidence and mortality rate of colic within this population, as well as the signalment of affected horses, and compared these with the general population. Data for 717 horses over a five-year period (2008-2012) were analy...
Exploratory Celiotomy in the Horse Secondary to Acute Colic: A Review of Indications and Success Rates. To review indications and risk factors for exploratory celiotomy secondary to acute colic in the horse; decision making for and during surgery; and prognosis for return to function after exploratory celiotomy for the practicing veterinarian. Data sources included scientific reviews and original research publications from veterinary sources, as well as clinical data specifically in regard to underlying disease and survival rates from a tertiary referral hospital where exploratory celiotomy is commonly performed. There is a high positive predictive value of specific clinical preoperative paramet...
[Use of bisphosphonates in horses – a review]. Systemic administration of tiludronate or clodronate decreases lameness in some horses suffering from navicular syndrome within 2-6 months of treatment. In horses that fail to respond to the first treatment, a follow-up treatment may still improve the lameness. Horses with a lameness duration of less than 6 months have better odds of experiencing improvement in lameness. Bisphosphonate (BP) treatment can result in renal damage, and it is recommended to assess renal function prior to and after treatment. Horses with pre-existing renal compromise should not be treated with BP, as this may promot...
Retrospective evaluation of the effect of intravenous fluid administration on development of postoperative reflux in horses with colic (2004-2012): 194 horses. To evaluate the role of intravenous fluid volume and electrolyte supplementation on the development of postoperative reflux (POR) in horses undergoing celiotomy for colic. Methods: Case-control study spanning 2004-2012 for horses undergoing celiotomy for colic. Methods: University teaching hospital. Methods: Sixty-seven client-owned horses >1 year of age with POR were each matched to 2 controls with similar surgical lesions that did not demonstrate POR. Results: Survival was significantly lower in cases (65.7%) than controls (96.1%). Factors found to be associated with POR included decrease...
Differences in the equine faecal microbiota between horses presenting to a tertiary referral hospital for colic compared with an elective surgical procedure. The faecal microbiota is emerging as potentially important in intestinal disease. More research is needed to characterise the faecal microbiota from horses with colic. Objective: To compare the relative abundance of bacterial populations comprising the faecal microbiota in horses presenting for colic compared with an elective surgical procedure. Methods: Prospective observational clinical study. Methods: Admission faecal samples were collected from horses presenting for colic and elective surgical procedures. Faecal samples were extracted for genomic DNA, PCR- amplified, sequenced and analysed...
Proportion of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug prescription in equine practice. There is little knowledge of the prescription of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and whether their prescription varies between countries. Objective: To describe prescription practices of NSAIDs in equids in the United Kingdom (UK), United States of America (USA) and Canada. Methods: Descriptive observational study. Methods: Free-text electronic medical records from 141,543 equids from 10 equine practices in the UK, 255,777 equids from 7 equine practices with 20 branches from the USA and 2 practices with 7 branches from Canada were evaluated. A validated text-mining technique was ...
Clinical features and outcome in horses with severe large intestinal thickening diagnosed with transabdominal ultrasonography: 25 cases (2003-2010). OBJECTIVE To describe clinical features and outcome of horses with severe large intestinal thickening diagnosed with transabdominal ultrasonography. Methods: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 25 horses. PROCEDURES Medical records of horses that underwent transabdominal ultrasonography between 2003 and 2010 were reviewed. Horses were included if the wall of the large intestine was ≥ 9 mm thick in any of 6 abdominal zones. RESULTS Median age was 13 years (range, 3 to 28 years). Horses were initially examined because of colic, diarrhea, inappetence, weight loss, lethargy, fever, or hematuria. ...
Investigation of the treatment of sand accumulations in the equine large colon with psyllium and magnesium sulphate. Enteropathy associated with sand accumulation in the large colon of horses has been reported worldwide. Intestinal sand accumulations are commonly treated medically, but randomised controlled clinical trials on horses are scarce. This prospective study evaluated the efficacy of an enterally administered combination of psyllium and magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) for the removal of large colonic sand accumulations in horses without clinical signs of acute colic. The two groups comprised 20 untreated control horses and 20 horses treated with 1g/kg bodyweight (bwt) of psyllium and 1g/kg bwt of MgSO4 a...
Variation in faecal microbiota in a group of horses managed at pasture over a 12-month period. Colic (abdominal pain) is a common cause of mortality in horses. Change in management of horses is associated with increased colic risk and seasonal patterns of increased risk have been identified. Shifts in gut microbiota composition in response to management change have been proposed as one potential underlying mechanism for colic. However, the intestinal microbiota in normal horses and how this varies over different seasons has not previously been investigated. In this study the faecal microbiota composition was studied over 12 months in a population of horses managed at pasture with minima...
Clinical and intestinal histologic features of horses treated for recurrent colic: 66 cases (2006-2015). OBJECTIVE To describe gastrointestinal histologic findings for horses with recurrent colic and evaluate possible associations between initial clinical signs, biopsy method, histologic diagnosis, and outcome 1 year after hospital discharge. DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 66 horses with a history of recurrent colic for which gastrointestinal specimens had been submitted for histologic examination. PROCEDURES Histologic diagnosis was categorized as inflammatory, neoplastic, ischemic, other, and undiagnosed. Relationships among initial clinical features, biopsy method, histologic diagno...
Clinical outcomes after colopexy through left ventral paramedian incision in 156 thoroughbred broodmares with large colon disorders (1999-2015). To describe a technique for colopexy via a left ventral paramedian incision and report postoperative clinical outcomes. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: One hundred fifty-six thoroughbred broodmares treated with a colopexy through a left ventral paramedian incision between 1999 and 2015. Methods: Medical records were reviewed for postoperative complications and survival to discharge. The survival rate at 1 year after surgery was based on the medical record, progeny record, or client telephone conversation. Progeny records were reviewed to assess reproductive performance. T tests, Ï...
Catastrophic gastric rupture in a horse secondary to psyllium pharmacobezoars. A mare was euthanized because of gastric rupture secondary to complete duodenal obstruction by 2 bezoars located in the pylorus and proximal duodenum. Infrared spectroscopy showed that the bezoars were composed of psyllium. The mare had been receiving treatment with a pelleted psyllium product at 4 times the recommended dosage. Veterinarians should be aware that treatment of colic in horses with pelleted psyllium products could be associated with gastric impaction. Rupture gastrique catastrophique secondaire à des pharmacobézoards de psyllium en boulettes chez un cheval. Une jument a été e...
Displacement of the large colon in a horse with enterolithiasis due to changed positions observed by computed tomography. Computed tomography (CT) was performed for an 18-year-old female pony with enterolithiasis in the prone and supine positions. CT images from the prone position revealed displacement of the large dorsal colon, which contained an enterolith to the ventral side of the abdomen, and those from the supine position revealed displacement to the dorsal side. A high-density material suggestive of a metallic foreign body was also observed in the enterolith core. An enterolith (422 g, 104 mm) was surgically removed from the large dorsal colon. This caused no complications after surgery and increased the h...
Fifty years of colic surgery. Colic surgery is one of few treatments in which a veterinarian can use a skill to save an animal's life from a deadly disease within a short timeframe. Unfortunately, such success is not achieved without considerable risk for surgical failure, which is responsible for most complications in the immediate post-operative period. The last 50Â years have witnessed considerable improvements in colic surgery, although a ranking of the most important ones might not meet with universal agreement. Teamwork plays a critical role in the final outcome, starting and finishing with the referring veterinarian...