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Home / Equine Research Bank / J Vet Intern Med / Clinical presentation and outcome of gastric impactions with...
Journal of veterinary internal medicine2023; 37(4); 1544-1551; doi: 10.1111/jvim.16735

Clinical presentation and outcome of gastric impactions with or without concurrent intestinal lesions in horses.

Abstract: Gastric impactions (GI) have been identified as primary lesions (lone GI; LGI) or associated with other intestinal lesions (concurrent GI; CGI). Anecdotally, CGI resolve more rapidly with a better prognosis than LGI. Objective: To determine clinical, laboratory, and ultrasonographic findings, and short- and long-term survival in horses with GI. We hypothesized that LGI carries a worse prognosis than CGI. Methods: Seventy-one horses from 2 referral hospitals (2007-2022). Methods: Retrospective cohort study. Gastric impactions were defined as feed extending to the margo plicatus after ≥24 hours of fasting. Clinical, diagnostic and outcome findings were compared between LGI and CGI. Long-term survival was determined by a questionnaire. Results: Twenty-seven horses had LGI, 44 had CGI. Large intestinal lesions (32/44) were more common than small intestinal lesions (12/44). Concurrent gastric impactions resolved more slowly than LGI (LGI median 2 days, range 0-8; CGI median 4 days, range 1-10; P = .003). Short- (LGI 63%, 17/27; CGI 59%, 26/44; P = .75) and long-term survival (LGI 3.5 ± 1.9 years; CGI 2.3 ± 2.3 years; P = .42) were not significantly different. However, Lone gastric impactions were more likely to experience gastric rupture (LGI 29.6%, 8/27; CGI 11.4%, 5/44; P = .05). Lone gastric impactions were 8.7 times more likely to require dietary changes (LGI 72.7%, 8/11; CGI 25%, 4/16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.53-49.22; P = .01). Gastric impactions recurred in 21.7% (LGI, 6/20; CGI, 4/26; P = .23) of affected horses. Conclusions: Lone gastric impactions and CGI present similarly with a comparable prognosis, but LGI are more likely to rupture. Long-term dietary changes are often necessary for horses with LGI.
© 2023 The Authors. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. on behalf of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
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Publication Date: 2023-07-04 PubMed ID: 37403262PubMed Central: PMC10365056DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16735Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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In this research, the clinical, laboratory, and ultrasonographic findings, as well as short- and long-term survival, were compared between horses with lone gastric impactions (LGI) and those with gastric impactions accompanied by other intestinal lesions (CGI). The researchers found that while LGIs and CGIs present similarly, LGIs are more likely to rupture and require long-term dietary changes.

Study Methodology

  • The study retrospectively examined 71 horses from 2 referral hospitals over a 15-year period (2007-2022).
  • Gastric impactions were defined as feed extending to the margo plicatus after at least 24 hours of fasting.
  • The findings were compared between LGI and CGI, with long-term survival determined by a questionnaire.

Results

  • Out of the 71 horses, 27 were diagnosed with LGI while 44 had CGI. Large intestinal lesions were more common in the CGI group than small intestinal lesions.
  • Interestingly, concurrent gastric impactions took longer to resolve compared to LGIs (Median: CGI – 4 days, LGI – 2 days).
  • In terms of short-term survival, both LGI and CGI groups were almost similar (LGI 63%, CGI 59%). This was also the case for long-term survival (LGI 3.5 ± 1.9 years; CGI 2.3 ± 2.3 years).
  • However, horses with LGIs were more likely to experience gastric rupture (LGI 29.6%). Additionally, horses with LGIs were almost nine times more likely to require dietary changes.
  • Recurring gastric impactions were observed in 21.7% of the affected horses in both the LGI and CGI groups.

Conclusion

  • The study concludes that while LGIs and CGIs present in a similar manner with a comparable prognosis, LGIs are more prone to rupture and often necessitate long-term dietary changes.
  • This research provides valuable insights into the prognosis and management of gastric impactions in horses and points to the need for more targeted interventions for horses presenting with LGIs.

Cite This Article

APA
Talbot SE, Tallon R, Dunkel B. (2023). Clinical presentation and outcome of gastric impactions with or without concurrent intestinal lesions in horses. J Vet Intern Med, 37(4), 1544-1551. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.16735

Publication

Journal of veterinary internal medicine
ISSN: 1939-1676
NlmUniqueID: 8708660
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 37
Issue: 4
Pages: 1544-1551

Researcher Affiliations

Talbot, Sophie E
  • Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, UK.
Tallon, Rose
  • Donnington Grove Veterinary Group, Newbury, UK.
Dunkel, Bettina
  • Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, UK.

Conflict of Interest Statement

Authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Citations

This article has been cited 1 times.
  1. Torcivia C, McDonnell SM. Behavioral Signature of Equine Gastric Discomfort? Preliminary Retrospective Clinical Observations. Animals (Basel) 2025 Jan 3;15(1).
    doi: 10.3390/ani15010088pubmed: 39795031google scholar: lookup
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