Comparison of duodenitis/proximal jejunitis and small intestinal obstruction in horses: 68 cases (1977-1985).

This research compares two conditions that cause colic in horses (small intestinal obstruction and duodenitis/proximal jejunitis), examining differences in age, symptoms, physical findings, and lab results among 68 affected horses. The study finds that older horses are more likely to have duodenitis/proximal jejunitis and that the two conditions present distinct clinical signs, with significant variance in heart and respiratory rates, strength of abdominal pain, and volume of nasogastric reflux among others.

Objective of the Research

• This study aimed at comparing two primary causes of colic in horses – duodenitis/proximal jejunitis and small intestinal obstruction – taking into account factors such as age, symptoms, physical examination findings, and laboratory results.

Methodology

• The research involved a total of 68 horses divided into two equally sized groups of 34. These classifications were based on findings during exploratory celiotomy, necropsy, or response to medical treatment.
• Various comparative analyses were carried out involving signalment (descriptive details of the animal), history, physical examination findings, and laboratory results.

Findings and Results

• A significant majority of horses with duodenitis/proximal jejunitis were older than 2 years (P less than 0.05), signifying that this disease is more common in mature horses.
• There were no noticeable differences concerning the sex or breed distribution, or even the seasonality of the two disease syndromes.
• Horses with duodenitis/proximal jejunitis showed significantly more sign of depression compared to those with small intestinal obstruction (P less than 0.01). In contrast, horses with small intestinal obstruction displayed more signs of abdominal pain (P less than 0.05).
• The average heart and respiratory rates were significantly lower (P less than 0.01) in the group of horses with duodenitis/proximal jejunitis. These horses also had a significantly greater volume of nasogastric reflux (P less than 0.05).
• The duodenitis/proximal jejunitis group showed less distended sections of small intestine that were palpable per rectum and more auscultable borborygmi (gut sounds) compared to those in the small intestinal obstruction group (P less than 0.05 and P less than 0.01).
• In terms of laboratory findings, the mean plasma potassium was lower while the mean plasma bicarbonate concentrations were higher in the group with duodenitis/proximal jejunitis (P less than 0.05) compared to those with small intestinal obstruction.
• The mean nucleated cell count and total protein concentration of peritoneal fluid specimens were significantly less in the group with duodenitis/proximal jejunitis (P less than 0.01); however, these values were greater than normal.

Conclusion

• The research presents substantial differences between the presentation of duodenitis/proximal jejunitis and small intestinal obstruction in horses, ranging from age distribution, clinical signs to laboratory findings. Such variation could potentially be used for more accurate and quicker diagnosis of the specific condition leading to the colic in horses.