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The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne2009; 50(1); 65-70;

Cecal rupture in foals–7 cases (1996-2006).

Abstract: The objective of this study was to identify risk factors and describe clinical signs in 7 foals with cecal rupture; none of the foals survived. Six foals had undergone general anesthesia; 5 for orthopedic procedures. Six of the foals were receiving nonsteriod anti-inflammatory drugs. Most foals started showing colic signs on day 2 after surgery, preceded in 3 cases by dullness. Cecal rupture occurred between 4 hours and 2 days after the first signs of colic were noticed. Intestinal motility was decreased or absent in all foals for which it was recorded.Foals undergoing general anesthesia should be closely monitored for any sign of dullness, prolonged recumbency, reduced fecal output, and signs of abdominal discomfort for 3 days postoperatively, especially in cases following orthopedic surgery. If any of the above occurs, cecal impaction should be considered as a differential diagnosis. A prompt exploratory laparotomy may be a reasonable diagnostic option before the cecum ruptures with fatal consequences. La rupture du caecum chez le poulain — 7 cas (1996–2006). L’objectif de cette étude était d’identifier les facteurs de risque et de décrire les signes cliniques de la rupture caecale chez 7 poulains dont aucun n’a survécu. Six poulains ont subit une anesthésie générale dont 5 pour des interventions orthopédiques. Six des poulains ont reçu un anti-inflammatoire non-stéroïdien. La plupart des poulains ont commencé à montrer des signes de colique au jour 2 après la chirurgie et dans 3 cas ces signes étaient précédés d’une période d’abattement. La rupture caecale se produisait entre 4 heures et 2 jours après les premiers signes de colique. La motilité intestinale était diminuée ou absente chez tous les poulains où elle avait été mesurée. Particulièrement après une chirurgie orthopédique, les poulains ayant subi une anesthésie générale devraient être étroitement surveillés dans les cas d’abattement, de décubitus prolongé, de diminution de volume des matières fécales ou de signes d’inconfort abdominal durant une période de 3 jours après l’intervention. L’impaction devrait faire partie d’un éventuel diagnostic différentiel si un des signes précédemment mentionnés venaient à se manifester. Une laparotomie exploratrice réalisée sans délai pourrait être considérée comme une méthode diagnostique avant que ne se produise une rupture caecale accompagnée de ses conséquences funestes. (Traduit par Docteur André Blouin)
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Publication Date: 2009-04-02 PubMed ID: 19337616PubMed Central: PMC2603656
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  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research study investigates risk factors and describes clinical symptoms of cecal rupture in foals, a condition that was ultimately fatal for all seven subjects in the study. Most of the foals having undergone general anesthesia for different procedures, particularly orthopedic ones, and were displaying colic signs by day two post-surgery. Cecal rupture occurred from four hours to two days after these signs and it is recommended that foals should be monitored closely for any signs of discomfort after surgery to prevent this fatal condition.

Objective of the Study

  • The main aim of this research was to identify the risk factors and describe the clinical manifestations associated with cecal rupture in foals.

Risks and Clinical Symptoms

  • Out of 7 foals in this study, all of whom died, six had undergone general anesthesia, with five these for orthopedic procedures and were showing signs of colic by the second day after their surgery.
  • These clinical signs were sometimes preceded by dullness, with the rupture occurring between four hours and two days after the colic symptoms were first noticed.
  • All the foals for whom it was recorded had decreased or completely absent intestinal motility.

Monitoring and Prevention

  • The study strongly suggests that foals that have undergone general anesthesia should be intensively monitored postoperatively for signs such as dullness, extended recumbency, reduced fecal output, and any abdominal discomfort, especially within three days after orthopedic surgery.
  • If any of these symptoms occur, cecal impaction should be considered as a possible diagnosis, and a quick exploratory laparotomy could be a reasonable diagnostic strategy before the cecum ruptures, which could have fatal consequences.

Cite This Article

APA
Tabar JJ, Cruz AM. (2009). Cecal rupture in foals–7 cases (1996-2006). Can Vet J, 50(1), 65-70.

Publication

The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne
ISSN: 0008-5286
NlmUniqueID: 0004653
Country: Canada
Language: English
Volume: 50
Issue: 1
Pages: 65-70

Researcher Affiliations

Tabar, Juan J
  • Department of Clinical Studies, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario.
Cruz, Antonio M

    MeSH Terms

    • Anesthesia, General / adverse effects
    • Anesthesia, General / veterinary
    • Animals
    • Cecal Diseases / etiology
    • Cecal Diseases / mortality
    • Cecal Diseases / veterinary
    • Cecum / injuries
    • Colic / etiology
    • Colic / mortality
    • Colic / veterinary
    • Fecal Impaction / veterinary
    • Female
    • Horse Diseases / etiology
    • Horse Diseases / mortality
    • Horses
    • Intestinal Obstruction / etiology
    • Intestinal Obstruction / mortality
    • Intestinal Obstruction / veterinary
    • Male
    • Postoperative Complications / veterinary
    • Risk Factors
    • Rupture, Spontaneous / veterinary

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    Citations

    This article has been cited 1 times.
    1. Maire U, Genton M, Vitte-Rossignol A. Iatrogenic cecal perforation after abdominal drain placement on a horse. Can Vet J 2025 Feb;66(2):138-142.
      pubmed: 39898165
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