Clinical outcomes after colopexy through left ventral paramedian incision in 156 thoroughbred broodmares with large colon disorders (1999-2015).

This research study examines a surgical procedure called colopexy performed through a left ventral paramedian incision in thoroughbred broodmares with large colon disorders. Results showed this technique to be a promising alternative with positive survival and bred mares outcome, though certain complications can affect these outcomes.

Research Methodology

• The study used medical records of 156 thoroughbred broodmares treated with a colopexy procedure through a left ventral paramedian incision between 1999 and 2015.
• The medical records were closely examined for instances of postoperative complications and survival rate until the discharge from the hospital.
• The survival data for one year post-surgery was noted through medical records, progeny records, or through telephonic conversation with the clients.
• The researchers also reviewed the progeny records to understand the reproductive performance of the treated mares.
• To identify any prognostic factors, the researchers used T tests, χ tests, logistic regression, and Kaplan-Meier survival curves.

Key Findings

• The rates of postoperative recurrence of large colon volvulus and colon rupture were found to be 1.2% and 3% respectively.
• The research reported a high survival rate with an impressive 93% of treated mares being discharged alive from the hospital.
• The one-year survival rate was also positive with 78% of the treated mares reported to be alive.
• The study found that the diagnosis of certain complications, specifically systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), diarrhea, and/or thrombophlebitis, increased the risk of death within a year, with an odds ratio of 4.76.
• The researchers also found positive outcomes for the reproductive capabilities of the treated mares. Sixty-six percent of mares which were pregnant at the time of colopexy and got discharged alive from the hospital, gave birth to live foals.
• The percentage of live foals produced each year the mare was bred after the colopexy was 67%.

Conclusion

• According to the study, thoroughbred mares treated with colopexy via a left paramedian incision showed good prognosis for survival and continued usage as a broodmare. Complications such as SIRS, diarrhea, or jugular thrombophlebitis, however, adversely affected the long-term survival in this population.
• The study concluded that colopexy via a left paramedian incision is a suitable alternative surgical option to colopexies requiring a second incision or creating adhesions between the colon and the linea alba in thoroughbred mares.