Comparison of clinical findings and short-term survival between horses with intestinal entrapment in the gastrosplenic ligament and horses with intestinal entrapment in the epiploic foramen.

This research paper analyzes clinical findings and short-term survival rates in horses suffering from two types of intestinal entrapment: gastrosplenic ligament (GLE) and epiploic foramen (EFE). The study, conducted retrospectively, found that middle-aged geldings may be more prone to these conditions and that while the severity of symptoms was higher in EFE, survival rates were similar for both conditions.

Study Design and Population

• The study was retrospective, using case-control methodology.
• It included 43 horses with GLE (cases) and 73 horses with EFE (controls)
• Data were collected from medical records of horses examined for colic at a veterinary teaching hospital over two decades (1992-2012).
• The data collected included information relating to the horse’s breed, age, sex, and the specific symptoms and treatment details related to their EFE or GLE.

Key Findings

• The study observed a higher proportion of middle-aged geldings (neutered male horses) in both GLE and EFE groups compared to the wider colic population, suggesting these may be at higher risk for these conditions.
• Horses with EFE had significantly higher heart rates and blood and peritoneal fluid lactate concentrations compared to those with GLE, indicating more severe systemic illness.
• The short-term survival rates – the proportion of horses who underwent surgery and were then discharged from the hospital – were similar for GLE and EFE. For GLE it was 88% (22 out of 25 horses) and for EFE it was 85% (29 out of 34 horses).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

• The study concludes that middle-aged geldings might be more predisposed to both GLE and EFE compared to the wider population of horses with colic.
• Despite EFE horses experiencing more severe clinical symptoms than GLE horses, their short-term survival rates following surgery are almost identical.
• This research provides valuable insights into the management of these health conditions in equine populations and may help in developing strategies to improve survival rates and overall healthcare for horses.