Ablation of the nephrosplenic space for treatment of recurring left dorsal displacement of the large colon in a racehorse.

The research discusses a successful treatment of recurring left dorsal displacement of the large colon in a three-year-old Thoroughbred gelding using ablation of the nephrosplenic space, with the horse showing no further signs of colic and returning to racing a year after the surgery.

Explanation of the Research Article

• Left dorsal displacement of the large colon is a disorder that was diagnosed in a three-year-old Thoroughbred racehorse. Of importance to note is that this horse was gelding, that is, a castrated male. The disease involves the shifting of the colon to the left side of the abdomen. Such displacements are concerning as they can affect the horse’s health and athletic performance.
• Initial efforts to treat the displacement were conservative. These included lunging the horse after administering phenylephrine and rolling the horse while it was under general anesthesia. However, these attempts were unsuccessful. Ultimately, the displaced section of the colon was surgically reduced through a ventral midline incision.
• Unfortunately, the displacement returned just four days after surgery, prompting a second operation. This time, a procedure called ablation of the nephrosplenic space was performed. This operation involved suturing the nephrosplenic ligament to the splenic capsule. This surgery was conducted through the horse’s left flank.
• The result of this surgery seemed to be more successful. One year after the operation, the horse had not exhibited any more signs of colic (severe abdominal pain, often due to gastrointestinal conditions) and had returned to racing.
• The researchers suggest that other methods to prevent large colon displacement, including colon resection and colopexy, are typically not recommended for athletic horses. However, they propose that ablation of the nephrosplenic space may be a more effective solution for such cases.