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Extensive large colon resection in the pony. I. Surgical procedures and clinical results.

Abstract: The effect of resection of 75% (length measurement) of the large colon in ponies was studied. Ten ponies in good physical condition were divided into two groups: group I consisted of the six experimental ponies and group II of four control ponies. Preoperatively and postoperatively for five months, ten clinicopathological parameters were determined: body weight, venous blood pH, plasma bicarbonate, total plasma protein concentration, serum electrolyte values (sodium, potassium, chloride), and fecal osmolarity. Subjective assessment of attitude and appetite revealed no difference between the groups or within groups at any time. Resection of a major portion of the large colon did not significantly influence the clinicopathological parameters evaluated. The hematocrit of the ponies in group I did decrease during the first postoperative month and this was attributed to whole blood loss associated with the resection procedures. The results of this investigation indicated that resection of 75% of the large colon in ponies is compatible with life.
Publication Date: 1987-01-01 PubMed ID: 3567753PubMed Central: PMC1255276
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  • Journal Article

Summary

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This research studied the impact of removing 75% of the large colon in ponies, finding that such a significant resection did not noticeably affect the health or behavior of the animals, although it did result in a temporary drop in hematocrit due to blood loss during the procedure.

Research Design and Methodology

  • The researchers conducted their study on ten ponies, which were in good health and were split into two groups: six experimental subjects and four controls.
  • The experimental group underwent a surgical procedure to remove 75% of their large colon, while the control group did not undergo any kind of surgical intervention.
  • For a period of five months pre- and post-surgery, the researchers monitored ten different clinicopathological parameters: body weight, venous blood pH, plasma bicarbonate, total plasma protein concentration, serum electrolyte values (sodium, potassium, chloride), and fecal osmolarity.
  • Findings and Results

    • The findings indicated that the experimental ponies showed no statistically significant changes in their clinicopathological parameters compared to the control group, meaning their health was not adversely affected by the removal of such a large portion of the large colon.
    • There were no discernible differences in behavior, attitude, or appetite between the two groups either. This suggests that the ponies were not noticeably distressed or uncomfortable due to the procedure.
    • However, there was a drop in the hematocrit of the experimental ponies following the operation, which was linked to blood loss related to the surgery. This, while noteworthy, wasn’t seen as a significant health concern.
    • Conclusion

      • Based upon the results of this study, it was concluded that it is viable to perform a resection of up to 75% of the large colon in ponies without any marked impact on their health or quality of life.
      • The temporary decrease in hematocrit could be managed with proper postoperative care and monitoring.
      • Overall, the research opens up new potential avenues for addressing medical needs and conditions in horses and ponies that require large colon resection.

Cite This Article

APA
Ducharme NG, Horney FD, Baird JD, Arighi M, Burton JH. (1987). Extensive large colon resection in the pony. I. Surgical procedures and clinical results. Can J Vet Res, 51(1), 66-75.

Publication

ISSN: 0830-9000
NlmUniqueID: 8607793
Country: Canada
Language: English
Volume: 51
Issue: 1
Pages: 66-75

Researcher Affiliations

Ducharme, N G
    Horney, F D
      Baird, J D
        Arighi, M
          Burton, J H

            MeSH Terms

            • Animals
            • Appetite
            • Blood Gas Analysis / veterinary
            • Blood Proteins / analysis
            • Body Weight
            • Colon / surgery
            • Electrolytes / blood
            • Feces / analysis
            • Female
            • Hematocrit / veterinary
            • Horse Diseases
            • Horses / blood
            • Horses / surgery
            • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
            • Osmolar Concentration
            • Pain, Postoperative / veterinary

            References

            This article includes 12 references
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            Citations

            This article has been cited 2 times.
            1. Arighi M, Ducharme NG, Horney FD, Livesey MA. Extension large colon resection in 12 horses. Can Vet J 1987 May;28(5):245-8.
              pubmed: 17422768
            2. Ducharme NG, Burton JH, van Dreumel AA, Horney FD, Baird JD, Arighi M. Extensive large colon resection in the pony. II. Digestibility studies and postmortem findings. Can J Vet Res 1987 Jan;51(1):76-82.
              pubmed: 3567754