[Displacement and resection of the ascending colon in the horse: a literature review on the basis of 2 cases].

The research article reviews cases of large colon displacement and surgery in horses, presenting two specific cases; a Dutch Warmblood mare with colonic volvulus requiring a large resection and a stallion with recurrent colic that demanded partial colon resection for prevention.

Case Study Overview

• The paper explores two medical cases involving the displacement and surgical resection of the large colon in horses. These two cases highlight both the symptoms and the treatment options available for this health issue in horses.

First Case: Dutch Warmblood Mare

• The first case involves a four-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare, which was registered for medical help when she exhibited colic, a digestive disorder, for twelve hours straight. Despite a thorough rectal examination, the cause of the colic could not be ascertained due to the large size of the uterus, which was on account of her impending foaling after a week.
• A surgery was performed on the mare, which revealed a colonic volvulus – a condition in which the colon twists on its mesentery, leading to obstruction and compromised blood flow to the intestines. To combat the illness, about 75% of the mare’s large colon was resected or removed.
• Although the mare gave birth to a dead foal five days after the operation, she recovered well from her condition and surgery.

Second Case: Dutch Warmblood Stallion

• The second case focused on a nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood stallion. The stallion had a history of frequent colic episodes and had previously been treated three times for nephrosplenic entrapment, a condition where the colon becomes entrapped over the nephrosplenic ligament connecting the left kidney and the spleen.
• To prevent further episodes of colic and the high risk of another entrapment, a surgical procedure was carried out, in which the left part of the stallion’s colon was resected or removed. This operation was successful and effectively resolved the horse’s recurrent medical issue.

Conclusion

• This literature review based on the two above-mentioned cases provides important insights into the instances of displacements and surgeries of the large colon in horses. It sheds light on the health issues horses can face relating to their digestive system, particularly those that result in colic, their treatment options, and the outcomes of performed surgeries.