Extension large colon resection in 12 horses.
Abstract: Extensive resection (50-75%) of the large colon was performed in 12 horses. Indications for resection were: loss of viability due to large colon volvulus (seven), thromboembolic episode (three), impairment of flow of ingesta due to adhesions (one), or congenital abnormalities (one). The time required to correct the primary cause of abdominal pain and complete the resection ranged from 2.5 to 4.75 hours. Three horses had severe musculoskeletal problems postoperatively and were euthanized in the recovery stall. Four other horses were euthanized early in the postoperative period because of: further large colon infarction (two), ileus (one), or small intestinal problems (one). Five horses survived with no apparent nutritional or metabolic problems during two to three weeks of hospitalization. Clinical data were obtained from these horses from nine months to eighteen months postoperatively and revealed no clinical or clinicopathological abnormalities in four of them; the fifth horse exhibited diarrhea and weight loss four months postoperatively but responded to diet change.
Publication Date: 1987-05-01 PubMed ID: 17422768PubMed Central: PMC1680451
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This research investigated outcomes after performing an extensive large colon resection surgery on 12 horses with varying conditions. Results indicated some challenges postoperatively; however, five of the twelve horses survived without significant nutritional or metabolic issues during initial hospitalization.
Overview of the Research and Objectives
- This research was aimed at studying the outcomes of large colon resection in horses, a surgical procedure where 50-75% of the large colon is removed.
- The study involved 12 horses which required surgery due to various reasons including loss of viability of the colon owing to twisted colon (volvulus), the development of blood clots (thromboembolic episodes), impaired flow of digested material due to adhesions, or congenital abnormalities.
Procedure and Time Frame
- According to the research, the time taken to address the primary abdominal pain and complete the colon resection varied between 2.5 to 4.75 hours.
Postoperative Outcomes
- In the postoperative period, three horses developed severe issues in their musculoskeletal systems and had to be euthanized during recovery, highlighting potential concerns about the surgery’s impact.
- Four more horses were put down soon after the surgery due to additional complications such as further colon infarction (death of a region of colon due to insufficient blood supply), ileus (a hindrance in the intestines), or issues in the small intestines.
- Of the remaining horses, five survived during the initial postoperative period. Throughout their hospitalization over two to three weeks, they displayed no significant metabolic or nutritional problems, indicating a supportive initial response to the treatment.
Long-Term Follow-Up and Outcomes
- Long-term clinical data from these five surviving horses were gathered over a period ranging from nine to eighteen months post-operatively.
- Four of these horses showed no clinicopathological or clinical abnormalities upon follow-up, suggesting the success of the surgery in these horses.
- The fifth horse developed diarrhea and weight loss four months after the surgery but showed improvement with a dietary change, indicating that postoperative outcomes could vary and may require some additional interventions for optimal health recovery.
Cite This Article
APA
Arighi M, Ducharme NG, Horney FD, Livesey MA.
(1987).
Extension large colon resection in 12 horses.
Can Vet J, 28(5), 245-248.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
References
This article includes 12 references
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