[Comparison of the findings of rectal examination and ultrasonographic findings in horses with colic].

This research study compares the effectiveness of rectal examinations and ultrasonographic examinations in diagnosing different forms of colic in horses, concluding that while ultrasonography more accurately identifies severe conditions, the traditional rectal examination remains superior in diagnosing certain issues.

Objective of the Research

• The researchers aimed to compare and contrast the efficacy of rectal examinations and ultrasonographic examinations in diagnosing different forms of colic in horses. This was assessed by evaluating their sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values.

Methods

• The patients records from Large Animal Clinic of the University of Leipzig from 2012 and 2013 were used in a retrospective study, focusing specifically on horses diagnosed with colic.
• Diagnoses made through both rectal and ultrasonographic examination were grouped and compared with diagnoses based on colic surgery or pathologic examination – the latter being considered the gold standard.
• In cases where the horses underwent conservative treatment, a definitive diagnosis was assigned only if a pathognostic rectal examination could confidently determine the diagnosis.

Results

• Ultrasonography proved more sensitive than rectal examination in diagnosing small intestinal occlusion, torsion of the large colon in the long axis, and dislocation of the large colon into the nephrosplenic space.
• Conversely, rectal examination was more sensitive than ultrasonographic examination in diagnosing other types of dislocation of the large colon and constipations of the large colon.

Conclusions

• In severe cases such as small intestinal occlusions and torsions of the large colon which commonly require abdominal surgery, ultrasonography provided a more accurate and precise diagnosis than rectal examination.
• However, traditional rectal examination remains indispensable as it is superior in diagnosing dislocations and constipations of the large colon as well as diseases of the caecum.
• The study concluded that under hospital conditions, including ultrasonography in the routine examination of the equine acute abdomen is highly advisable. Nonetheless, it is not meant to replace the traditional rectal examination.