Entrapment of the small intestine in the epiploic foramen in horses: a retrospective analysis of 71 cases recorded between 1991 and 2001.

The study examined the cases of 71 horses where part of the small intestine was entrapped in the epiploic foramen over a decade. The research found that Thoroughbred and Thoroughbred cross horses were over-represented, most cases took place from October to March, and the horses were more likely to have a history of crib-biting/windsucking.

Research Overview

This study was a retrospective analysis of 71 cases occurring between 1991 and 2001, where horses had their small intestine entrapped in the epiploic foramen. The epiploic foramen is an opening located within the horse’s abdomen between the liver and a part of the stomach. Entrapment of the small intestine in this opening can lead to serious health issues, including intestinal colic, which requires surgical intervention.

Study Population and Demographics

• The study involved 70 horses, accounting for 71 cases (one horse had a repeat occurrence).
• Comparisons were made to a control group of 1279 horses which had other types of surgical colic during the same period.
• Various parameters including the horses’ breed, sex, age, and the month they were affected were noted. It was found that there was no age or sex predilection. Thoroughbred and thoroughbred cross horses were at a higher risk of suffering from this condition.
• Epidemiologically, most cases (77.5 per cent) occurred between October and March, with the highest incidence in January (21.1 per cent).

Horses’ Behavioral History

• Another factor evaluated in this study was whether the affected horses exhibited certain behaviours known as stereotypies – specifically crib-biting and windsucking.
• The data showed that horses with a history of these behaviors were more likely to develop this type of intestinal issue, with an odds ratio of 7.9 when compared to the unaffected horses from the control group.

Recovery and Survival Outcomes

• Post-surgery recovery and the survival rate until discharge from the hospital were also examined.
• It was noted that 81.7% of the horses recovered after surgery and 69% survived to be discharged from the hospital.
• The survival time for affected discharged horses was evaluated to be a median of 700 days, which was less than that of horses suffering from other types of surgical colic – they had an average survival time exceeding 1931 days.