Caecal impactions managed surgically by typhlotomy in 10 cases (1988-1998).

The research focuses on an alternate treatment method for caecal impactions in equine health, particularly on typhlotomy, and presents its effectiveness based on a case series.

Objective

The objective of this research was to prove the effectiveness and practicality of typhlotomy as a surgical method for managing first time caecal impactions in horses, as opposed to the common practice of ileocolic or jejunocolic anastomosis.

Methodology

• The researchers analyzed a case series from July 1988 to June 1998 consisting of 10 horses undergoing surgery for first time caecal impactions.
• Of these, 9 horses received the surgical procedure typhlotomy. The condition of all horses at the time of surgery was deemed to have a dysfunctional caecum.
• Post surgery, the horses received routine care, with the addition of anthelmintics due to recovery of Anoplocephala perfoliata in several cases.

Findings

• The average survival period for the equine subjects that underwent typhlotomy was 43 months at the time of the study review.
• The occurrence of Anoplocephala perfoliata in several cases post surgery led to the recommendation of postoperative pyrantel pamoate and larvicidal anthelmintics.

Conclusion

With the majority of the cases in the study surviving for an average of 43 months post-surgery, the research suggests that typhlotomy should be considered as a viable surgical technique for managing first time caecal impactions. Additionally, due to the presence of Anoplocephala perfoliata in many cases post surgery, the inclusion of postoperative pyrantel pamoate and larvicidal anthelmintics in the treatment plan was recommended.