Are horses that undergo an exploratory laparotomy for correction of a right dorsal displacement of the large colon predisposed to post operative colic, compared to other forms of large colon displacement?

This article investigates whether horses diagnosed with a right dorsal displacement (RDD) of the large colon are more inclined to recurrent post-surgery colic episodes compared to horses with other types of nonstrangulating large colon displacement. Findings indicate that horses with an RDD are more likely to have repeated bouts of colic requiring veterinary attention.

Study Objective and Methodology

• The research’s aim was to determine if the variety of nonstrangulating large colon displacement recognized during exploratory laparotomy would influence long-term results. More specifically, the hypothesis was that horses diagnosed with an RDD would be more susceptible to recurrent postoperative colic episodes than horses with other types of colon displacement.
• To examine this, the medical records of horses that underwent exploratory laparotomy for nonstrangulating large colon displacement from 2000 to 2008 were reviewed. The data collected include the horses’ details, previous medical history, current colic episodes, preoperative examination results, surgical findings and procedures, postoperative management, and complications.
• Follow-up information was gathered through computerised clinical records and telephone questionnaires to owners or caretakers. This included information about any post-discharge colic episodes and whether a repeat operation was needed to alleviate these episodes.

Results

• The review identified 165 surgeries conducted on 154 horses. The research found that horses with RDD were significantly more likely to have recurrent colic episodes that required veterinary intervention compared to horses with other types of colon displacement.

Conclusions

• The research concluded that the long-term prognosis and the likelihood of postoperative complications are key considerations for both horse owners and vets. The finding that horses with RDD are more prone to repeat colic episodes post-operation can help influence the decision-making process when considering exploratory laparotomy for large colon displacement.