Congenital malformation of the large colon causing colic in a horse.

The study investigates a unique case of abnormal large intestine formation potentially causing repeated colic episodes in a horse, which was successfully treated through surgical resection and anastomosis.

Introduction and Case Description

The research focuses on a particular case of intermittent colic episodes in a horse. The cause behind this was suspected to be an unusual attachment in the horse’s mesocolic, a part of the peritoneum that attaches the colon to the abdominal wall. This abnormality resulted in a star-shaped malformation in the left side of the horse’s large intestine, specifically adjacent to the pelvic flexure.

• The researchers hypothesised that this unusual condition was a congenital anomaly, meaning the horse was born with it

Surgical Intervention and Results

Given the suspected cause of the colic episodes, the researchers decided to intervene surgically. The process they adopted was a resection or surgical removal of the affected section of the large intestine at the level of sternal and diaphragmatic flexures, which are bends in the colon.

• They then performed an anastomosis or connection of the remaining sections of the large intestine side by side to ensure the horse’s digestive system continued to function post-surgery.
• The surgery was successful and the horse recovered without any complications.

Postoperative Observations

In the initial period after the surgery, the researchers monitored the horse keenly for any biochemical changes that might indicate a negative reaction or complications.

• Only minor changes in serum biochemical values were observed, suggesting that the horse reacted well to the surgery.

In concluding, the researchers suggest that their hypothesis might be correct, given the successful treatment of the intermittent colic episodes through the removal of the abnormal mesocolic attachment and restructuring of the large colon.