Changes in coagulation and markers of fibrinolysis in horses undergoing colic surgery.

This research explores the alterations in coagulation and fibrinolysis in horses that underwent colic surgery, examining whether these changes were due to the colic or the surgery and wound healing process.

Study Background and Purpose

• The study was premised on the frequent activation of coagulation in horses with colic, a common digestive disorder resulting in severe abdominal discomfort. Past human studies have identified similar trends in coagulation post surgical trauma.
• The main objective of this research was to identify and better understand the changes in coagulation and fibrinolysis (process of blood clot breakdown) in horses that underwent surgery for colic.
• The study sought to determine whether these changes occurred due to the colic itself, or were a result of the surgery and subsequent wound healing.

Study Methodology

• Thirty horses with uncomplicated recovery from colic surgery were considered for this study. In addition, a control group was created comprising ten horses who underwent a Forssell’s procedure (a surgical procedure for a different ailment). The latter group represented a standardized surgical trauma for comparison with the colic surgery group.
• Daily physical examinations were performed on both groups of horses over a ten-day observation period. Measurements of activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), prothrombin time, and thrombin time were taken. Additionally, levels of fibrin monomer (FM), D-Dimer (DD) and antithrombin (AT) III were also determined.

Study Findings

• The study found that the aPTT was the only standard coagulation test significantly prolonged both before and after colic surgery in comparison to the control group.
• Post-surgery, hyperfibrinogenaemia (excess fibrinogen in the blood) was observed in all horse groups. In horses with colic, FM and DD concentrations were within normal reference range at admission, but were significantly higher than those in control horses following surgery.
• AT III activity was seen to decrease after colic surgery while no significant change was observed in the control group.

Conclusion

• The study concluded that an active coagulation state could be expected post-colic surgery. This implies that this increased coagulation is not solely a result of the colic, but is also influenced by the surgery event and subsequent wound healing process.