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Home / Equine Research Bank / Equine Vet J / Factors associated with development of post-operative reflux...
Equine veterinary journal2024; 56(6); 1155-1161; doi: 10.1111/evj.14095

Factors associated with development of post-operative reflux in horses with large colon volvulus and association with complications and outcomes.

Abstract: Post-operative reflux (POR) is rare following large colon volvulus (LCV) but does occur despite the absence of a small intestinal lesion. The prevalence, risk factors and association with survival of POR after LCV are currently unknown. Objective: To determine the prevalence of POR in horses with an LCV and its association with survival. A further objective was to assess factors which may predict POR. The hypothesis was that horses with POR following LCV surgery have a worse outcome for survival compared to those without POR. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study. Methods: Clinical data of client owned horses which underwent colic surgery at a single UK referral hospital between 2008 and 2021, where LCV was the primary finding, were retrieved from hospital records. Statistical analyses included chi-squared, t-tests and odds ratios (ORs). Horses with concurrent lesions, and those that did not survive past anaesthetic recovery, were excluded from analysis. POR was defined as ≥2 L of gastric reflux on at least one occasion. Results: A total of 128 horses were included in the study, 23 of which had POR (18%). Overall survival to hospital discharge was 86%, 95% in the non-POR and 44% in the POR group. Horses with POR were less likely to survive to discharge than those without (OR = 26, 95% confidence interval [CI] [7.68-88.0], p < 0.001), and less likely to be alive 3 years after surgery (OR = 13.4, 95% CI [2.78-64.8], p < 0.001). Conclusions: Due to the retrospective study design, full data sets were not available for every case because clinical records were incomplete or, at that time, certain tests were not performed or clinical variables were not measured. Conclusions: POR in LCV cases is a negative prognostic indicator for survival.
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Publication Date: 2024-04-12 PubMed ID: 38613156DOI: 10.1111/evj.14095Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research study investigates the prevalence, risk factors, and impact of post-operative reflux (POR) on the survival of horses suffering from major colon twists, known as large colon volvulus (LCV). The study concludes that horses displaying POR after LCV surgery have a worse prognosis for survival compared to horses without POR.

Study Methodology

  • The authors of the paper conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study, reviewing clinical data from a single UK-based veterinary referral hospital.
  • The data spanned thirteen years, between 2008 and 2021.
  • The clinical data included those of horses that had undergone colic surgery, with LCV being the primary finding.
  • Any horses with concurrent lesions, and those that did not survive past the anaesthetic recovery stage, were excluded from the study.
  • For the purpose of this study, POR was defined as a minimum of 2 litres of gastric reflux on at least one occasion.

Study Results

  • Out of the 128 horses included in the study, 23 (or around 18%) experienced post-operative reflux (POR).
  • The overall survival rate to hospital discharge was observed to be 86%. However, on closer examination, the survival rate was 95% for horses not showing POR and dropped sharply to 44% for horses with POR.
  • The statistical outcome of the study validated the initial hypothesis. Horses with POR were significantly less likely to survive to discharge (odds ratio of 26) and less likely to be alive three years after surgery (odds ratio of 13.4).

Conclusions of the Research

  • The authors acknowledge the limitations of the study. Due to the retrospective nature of the research, complete data sets were not available for each case. The reasons for missing data ranged from incomplete clinical records to the unavailability of tests or unmeasured clinical variables at the time of recording.
  • Despite these limitations, the study effectively established that post-operative reflux (POR) in cases of large colon volvulus (LCV) serves as a negative prognostic indicator for the survival of the horses, thus guiding veterinary interventions accordingly.

Cite This Article

APA
Watrobska N, Gough R, Hallowell G, Haugaard S, McGovern KF. (2024). Factors associated with development of post-operative reflux in horses with large colon volvulus and association with complications and outcomes. Equine Vet J, 56(6), 1155-1161. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14095

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 56
Issue: 6
Pages: 1155-1161

Researcher Affiliations

Watrobska, Natalia
  • Donnington Grove Veterinary Group, Newbury, UK.
Gough, Rachel
  • Donnington Grove Veterinary Group, Newbury, UK.
Hallowell, Gayle
  • Equine Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
Haugaard, Simon
  • University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
McGovern, Kate F
  • Donnington Grove Veterinary Group, Newbury, UK.

MeSH Terms

  • Horses
  • Animals
  • Horse Diseases / surgery
  • Horse Diseases / mortality
  • Intestinal Volvulus / veterinary
  • Intestinal Volvulus / surgery
  • Intestinal Volvulus / mortality
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Postoperative Complications / veterinary
  • Postoperative Complications / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Male
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Colonic Diseases / veterinary
  • Colonic Diseases / surgery
  • Colonic Diseases / mortality
  • Risk Factors
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux / veterinary

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