Clinical signs, treatment, and prognosis for horses with impaction of the cranial aspect of the base of the cecum: 7 cases (2000-2010).

This research investigates the symptoms, treatment, and long-term outcomes for horses who suffered an impaction or blockage in a specific part of the cecum (a pouch in the horse’s gut). The study involved seven horses with these symptoms, all of whom underwent surgery, and showed that this type of blockage could be treated effectively, with all horses surviving for at least two years post-surgery.

Research Focus

• The study aimed to understand the clinical signs, treatments, and long-term outcomes for horses suffering from an impaction or blockage in the cecum, specifically at the cranial aspect of the base or cecal cupula. This type of impaction is considered unique and rare as it doesn’t involve the body or apex of the cecum, nor does it cause a noticeable thickening of the cecal wall.

Methods

• The research is a retrospective case series spanning ten years, from 2000 to 2010. It focused on horses that underwent an exploratory surgical procedure known as celiotomy due to colic symptoms that could be linked to cecal cupula impaction.
• Various aspects of each case were examined, such as the horse’s history and clinical findings, performed diagnostic tests, observed surgical findings and subsequent treatment options. Any complications occurring after surgery were also recorded.
• The success rate of survival was recorded as well, based on the number of horses that survived to exit the hospital and live for at least two years after surgery.
• The research team followed up with each case via phone questionnaires for further long-term insights.

Results

• In the seven horses that underwent celiotomy, it was confirmed that the cecal cupula impaction occurred with no other cecal abnormalities. The horses displayed varied but generally mild signs of colic, and despite a lack of clear diagnosis from rectal examinations, they remained in a generally stable condition at the time of evaluation.
• All horses were treated successfully with a surgical procedure called typhlotomy, followed by a washout (lavage) and an evacuation. All of them survived to be discharged from the hospital and lived for at least two years following the surgery.

Conclusions

• The research posits that cecal cupula impaction is an unusual kind of cecal impaction, but the study shows it can be treated successfully with typhlotomy, lavage, and evacuation.
• The study concludes that horses undergoing this type of treatment have a good prognosis, with surviving horses exhibiting a lifespan of at least two years after surgery.