Clinical features and management of equine post operative ileus (POI): Survey of Diplomates of the American Colleges of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM), Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) and Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (ACVECC).

The research studies the clinical management and features of post operative ileus (POI) in horses from the perspectives of members of three veterinary colleges in America. This is an attempt to gain deeper understanding and insight into the varying strategies worldwide, given that such a survey had already been conducted in Europe.

Objective and Methodology

The objective of this study was to report and compare the different methods preferred by American veterinary specialists managing POI in horses that have undergone emergency colic surgery.

• The researchers conducted a cross-sectional survey to gather their data.
• Electronic invitations were sent out to 814 large animal specialists, which include members of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM), American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS), and the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (ACVECC).

Results

• The response to the survey was not overwhelming with only a rate of 14% (115/814).
• Majority of respondents (68%) estimated the prevalence of POI between 0-20%.
• A significant part of respondents used the presence of reflux on nasogastric intubation as a criterion to define POI.
• Majority believed a lesion on the small intestine is the primary risk factor for developing POI.
• Most of the respondents use anti-inflammatory drugs, intravenous (IV) fluids, and antimicrobial drugs as the primary strategies in managing POI.
• The most commonly used drugs in the treatment of horses with POI were Flunixin meglumine and IV lidocaine.
• Supplementary strategies were mostly focused on prevention of post-operative adhesions, infections, and inflammations.

Conclusion

The study concluded with an observed lack of consensus on the clinical definition and treatment of POI. The researchers call for a prospective and objective clinical assessment of the various strategies portrayed in this study and the previous European version. The aim of such an assessment is to identify a standardized approach to the management of equine POI.