Colopexy of the large colon in four horses.

This study looks at the surgical procedure colopexy, performed on four horses with recurring large-colon displacement or volvulus. The aftermath shows no recurring abdominal pain signs, and the horses maintained their normal body weight.

Study Overview

• Four horses experiencing recurring issues of large-colon displacement or volvulus were chosen for the study.
• The surgical procedure, known as colopexy, was performed on these horses. This procedure involves attaching the left ventral colon to the abdominal wall.
• The horses were discharged from the hospital between 5 and 27 days after the surgery.

Post-Surgery Observations

• The horses were evaluated at follow-up visits, which occurred on an average of 10.5 months after the surgery. The range of follow-up times was from 7 to 13 months.
• During these follow-up evaluations, it was observed that none of the horses showed signs of abdominal pain recurrence.
• All the horses maintained their normal body weight following the surgery.

Physical Activity and Observations

• Out of the four horses, three resumed regular exercise after the surgery.
• None of these three horses exhibited any signs of abdominal pain during their exercise routines.

Conclusion

• The study implies that the surgical procedure, colopexy, is potentially a successful treatment for horses with recurring large-colon displacement or volvulus.
• The lack of recurring abdominal pain and the maintenance of normal body weight in all four horses indicate positive outcomes of the surgery.
• The ability of three of the horses to resume regular exercise without exhibiting signs of abdominal pain further underscores the potential benefits and effectiveness of this surgical procedure.