Evaluation of equine cecal motility by ausculation, ultrasonography and electrointestinography after jejunocecostomy.

The research conducted examined the intestinal movement in horses that underwent jejunocecostomy, a type of surgical procedure. The methods used to detect this movement were auscultation, ultrasonography and electrointestinography, with the latter appearing to be the superior method.

Study Design and Methodology

• Researchers used six healthy thoroughbred horses for this study. These were subjected to the surgical procedure called jejunocecostomy, where a new connection is created between the jejunum and the cecum in the horse’s digestive system.
• The level of intestinal motility observed in the horses was evaluated using three different methods: auscultation, where bowel sounds were listened to and scored; ultrasonography, which involved counting the number of cecum contractions in a 3-minute interval; and electrointestinography (EIG), a method that measured the percutaneous potential of the cecum directly, providing a more accurate insight into intestinal motility.

Results and Observations

• The researchers noted three specific periods after surgery: a period of reduced intestinal motility (days 1 to 2 post-surgery), where the motility declined significantly; an unstable period (days 3 to 7 post-surgery), where there was a partial recovery of functions; and a full recovery period (day 8 to day 31 post-surgery), where the cecal motility fully returned to its preoperative state.
• The study emphasized careful monitoring and management of postoperative care during the periods of reduced and unstable intestinal motility to prevent complications.
• It was found that, on average, it takes a month for intestinal motility to return to normal patterns in horses that have gone through a jejunocecostomy procedure.

Conclusion and Recommendations

• The study showed that EIG proves to be an effective method of assessing intestinal motility after jejunocecostomy. Compared to the auscultation and ultrasonography methods, EIG provided a more comprehensive, objective, and accurate outline of cecal activity.
• These findings can be used by veterinary surgeons to better manage the postoperative care of horses, particularly in early detection of complications and ensuring a smooth recovery.