Comparison of phenylephrine administration and exercise versus phenylephrine administration and a rolling procedure for the correction of nephrosplenic entrapment of the large colon in horses: 88 cases (2004-2010).

This research aimed to compare the effectiveness of two non-surgical treatment methods for nephrosplenic entrapment of the large colon (NSELC) in horses; one involving exercise after phenylephrine administration and the other a rolling procedure under general anesthesia after phenylephrine administration. The study found that the rolling procedure had a higher success rate.

Background and Purpose of the Research

• The research is built on the issue of nephrosplenic entrapment of the large colon (NSELC) in horses, which leads to acute abdominal pain. This medical condition is usually identified through abdominal palpation per rectum or abdominal ultrasonography.
• The objective of the study was to compare two nonsurgical treatments for NSELC – exercise after administration of phenylephrine, a medication that narrows blood vessels, and a rolling procedure performed under general anesthesia after the administration of phenylephrine.

Methods

• The study was a retrospective case series, meaning the researchers looked back at the records of patients who have already been treated.
• 88 horses diagnosed with NSELC and treated between 2004 and 2010 were chosen for this study.
• Details about the treatment (whether they received IV administration of phenylephrine and exercise or IV administration of phenylephrine and a rolling procedure) and the outcome were retrieved from their medical records for analysis.

Results

• The research found that overall, 85% of the horses responded to either exercise or the rolling procedure under anesthesia.
• The success rate of the rolling procedure under general anesthesia was significantly higher (84%) than that of exercise after the administration of phenylephrine (63.2%).
• The rolling method also worked for 8 of the 14 horses which did not respond to the exercise method initially.

Conclusion

• The researchers concluded that the higher success rate of the rolling procedure suggests this could be the preferred initial medical treatment.
• However, due to its labor-intensive nature, it was suggested that the procedure should only take place in a surgical facility in case an exploratory laparotomy is needed.