Enterolithiasis in horses: analysis of 15 cases treated surgically in Saudi Arabia.
Abstract: The equine colic, which is caused by the presence of enteroliths that are most often found in the small or large colon, is typical for certain geographical regions (dry and hot climate). A diet rich in alfalfa is one of the highest risk factors. The earliest symptoms include weight loss and repeated episodes of colic pain. To present the results of operative treatment of 15 horses with enteroliths in Saudi Arabia. Methods: Fifteen purebred Arabian horses in Saudi Arabia, aged between 2 and 18 years, were treated. Decision about the surgery was based on clinical exam, ultrasound and rectal examination. The surgery was done on recumbent position in every case, under general inhalation anesthesia performed with izofluran. Results: Midline laparotomy was performed in all cases. Additional left flank laparotomy was performed in one horse, in which the stone was located in the proximal part of the small colon and parainguinal laparotomy was performed in 1 horse, in which the stone was located distally in the small colon. In each case, pelvic flexure enterotomy was performed in order to empty the large colon. Additionally, four horses underwent ventral colon enterotomy due to the presence of large stones. Small colon enterotomy was performed in 9 horses. In 12 cases treatment outcome was good and in 3 - poor. Chemical analysis of the stones showed similar results: calcium, calcium oxalate, ammonium, phosphates, and magnesium (Mg) were obtained in all these cases but there were quantitative differences accounting for 15 to 30%, 10 to 20%, 10%, 20 to 40%, and 10 to 15%, respectively. Conclusions: The results of surgery are generally good if stones are located in the large colon, but the prognosis is worse if they are located in the small colon, particularly in its proximal part. There is a huge importance of X-ray examination, which allows accurate diagnosis for locating the enteroliths and making a decision about surgery.
Publication Date: 2020-02-12 PubMed ID: 32042291PubMed Central: PMC6983311
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The researchers conducted a study on 15 Arabian horses diagnosed with enteroliths or stones in the intestines, a condition that can cause colic pain. Their goal was to evaluate the outcomes of surgical treatments and analyze the chemical composition of the stones.
Methodology
- A total of 15 purebred Arabian horses aged between 2 and 18 years, located in Saudi Arabia, were included in the study.
- The decision to proceed with surgery was based on a clinical exam, ultrasound, and rectal examination.
- All surgeries were performed under general inhalation anesthesia, with the horses placed in a recumbent or lying down position. Izofluran was used as an anesthetic.
- During surgery, different types of incisions were made based on the location of the enteroliths within the colon. These included midline laparotomy, left flank laparotomy, and parainguinal laparotomy.
- Depending on the location of the stones, pelvic flexure enterotomy, ventral colon enterotomy, or small colon enterotomy were performed to empty the colon of the stones.
Results
- The outcome of the treatment was good for 12 horses, but poor for 3.
- The chemical analysis of the stones removed during the surgeries revealed the presence of calcium, calcium oxalate, ammonium, phosphates, and magnesium in all cases with differing quantities.
Conclusions
- The study concluded that the surgical outcome is generally positive if the stones are located in the large colon. However, if the stones are in the small colon, especially its proximal part, the prognosis is less favorable.
- The researchers emphasized the importance of X-ray examinations for accurate diagnosis of enteroliths, thus allowing for informed decisions regarding surgical intervention.
- This research contributes valuable information on possible risk factors, surgical treatment, and prognosis of enterolithiasis in horses, particularly Arabian breeds in arid, hot climates.
Cite This Article
APA
Turek B, Witkowski M, Drewnowska O.
(2020).
Enterolithiasis in horses: analysis of 15 cases treated surgically in Saudi Arabia.
Iran J Vet Res, 20(4), 270-276.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Large Animals with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska 100, 02-797 Warsaw, Poland.
- Al Khalediah Equine Hospital, Tebrak, Saudi Arabia.
- Al Khalediah Equine Hospital, Tebrak, Saudi Arabia.
- University Centre of Veterinary Medicine UJ-UR, Mickiewicza 24/28, 30-059 Kraków, Poland.
- Department of Large Animals with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska 100, 02-797 Warsaw, Poland.
Conflict of Interest Statement
There is no conflict of interest.
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This article includes 16 references
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Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Willis MP, Dorn MC. Enterolithiasis in a Patient With Prior Bowel Resection. Cureus 2024 Aug;16(8):e67894.
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