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Journal of veterinary internal medicine2014; 28(5); 1580-1586; doi: 10.1111/jvim.12413

Gastrointestinal ultrasonography of normal Standardbred neonates and frequency of asymptomatic intussusceptions.

Abstract: Ultrasonographic appearance of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of equine neonates has not been completely described. Objective: To describe (1) sonographic characteristics of the GI segments in normal nonsedated equine neonates, (2) intra- and interobserver variation in wall thickness, and (3) the sonographic appearance of asymptomatic intussusceptions, and (4) to compare age and sonographic findings of foals with and without asymptomatic intussusceptions. Methods: Eighteen healthy Standardbred foals ≤5 days of age. Methods: Prospective, cross-sectional blinded study. Gastrointestinal sonograms were performed stall-side. Intraobserver variability in wall thickness measurements was determined by calculating the coefficient of variation (CV). The Bland-Altman method was used to assess interobserver bias. Student's t-test and Fisher's exact test were used to test the association among presence of intussusceptions, age, and selected sonographic findings. Results: The reference ranges (95% predictive interval) for wall thickness were 1.6-3.6 mm for the stomach, 1.9-3.2 mm for the duodenum, 1.9-3.1 mm for the jejunum, 1.3-2.2 mm for the colon, and 0.8-2.7 mm for the cecum. Intraobserver wall thickness CV ranged from 8 to 21% for the 2 observers for 5 gastrointestinal segments. The interobserver bias for wall thickness measurements was not significant except for the stomach (0.14 mm, P < .05) and duodenum (0.29 mm, P < .05). Diagnostic images of mural blood flow could not be obtained. Asymptomatic intussusceptions were found in 10/18 neonates. Associations between sonographic variables or age and the presence of intussusceptions were not found. Conclusions: Sonographic characteristics of the GI tract of normal Standardbred neonates can be useful in evaluating ill foals. Asymptomatic small intestinal intussusceptions occur in normal Standardbred neonates.
Copyright © 2014 by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
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Publication Date: 2014-08-07 PubMed ID: 25103616PubMed Central: PMC4895563DOI: 10.1111/jvim.12413Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

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 study utilized ultrasound imaging to understand the gastrointestinal (GI) characteristics of Standardbred foal neonates, with a focus on the frequency and features of asymptomatic intussusceptions (a medical condition in which a part of the intestine folds into the section next to it).

Research Objectives

  • The research aimed to establish sonographic characteristics of the GI tract in healthy, non-sedated equine neonates.
  • It measured variation in wall thickness observed by the same and different individuals (intra- and interobserver variation).
  • The study explored the presence and sonographic appearance of asymptomatic intussusceptions in these neonates.
  • And contrasted the age and sonographic findings of foals presenting with and without these silent intussusceptions.

Methods Employed

  • The study design was a prospective, cross-sectional blinded study involving 18 healthy Standardbred foals aged 5 days or less.
  • Ultrasound evaluations of the GI tracts of these foals were performed on location in their stalls, aiming for minimal disruption.
  • Statistical gathering included measuring the wall thickness of various GI tract segments, assessed for mutations in values within and between observers.
  • The coefficient of variation (CV) was used as a measure of the relative variability in wall thickness observed by the same rater.
  • Bland-Altman methods, t-tests, and Fisher’s exact tests were used to assess bias and associational patterns among the variables.

Research Findings

  • Reference ranges for wall thickness for various parts of the GI tract were established, including stomach, duodenum, jejunum, colon, and cecum.
  • There were some minor differences in measurements between observers, but these were not statistically significant, except for stomach and duodenum wall thickness.
  • Mural blood flow pictures, important diagnostics, were not achievable in this study.
  • They discovered asymptomatic intussusceptions in over half the foal population studied, but no associations could be ascertained with age or other sonographic variables.

Conclusions

  • The research provides valuable baseline knowledge on the sonographic attributes of the GI tract in healthy newborn Standardbreds, aiding in the diagnosis and intervention of sick foals.
  • The study revealed that asymptomatic small intestinal intussusceptions could unearth in newborn Standardbred horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Abraham M, Reef VB, Sweeney RW, Navas de Solís C. (2014). Gastrointestinal ultrasonography of normal Standardbred neonates and frequency of asymptomatic intussusceptions. J Vet Intern Med, 28(5), 1580-1586. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.12413

Publication

Journal of veterinary internal medicine
ISSN: 1939-1676
NlmUniqueID: 8708660
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 28
Issue: 5
Pages: 1580-1586

Researcher Affiliations

Abraham, M
  • New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, PA.
Reef, V B
    Sweeney, R W
      Navas de Solís, C

        MeSH Terms

        • Animals
        • Animals, Newborn / anatomy & histology
        • Asymptomatic Diseases
        • Cecum / diagnostic imaging
        • Colon / diagnostic imaging
        • Cross-Sectional Studies
        • Duodenum / diagnostic imaging
        • Gastrointestinal Tract / diagnostic imaging
        • Horse Diseases / congenital
        • Horse Diseases / diagnostic imaging
        • Horse Diseases / pathology
        • Horses / anatomy & histology
        • Humans
        • Intussusception / congenital
        • Intussusception / diagnostic imaging
        • Intussusception / veterinary
        • Jejunum / diagnostic imaging
        • Male
        • Prospective Studies
        • Stomach / diagnostic imaging
        • Ultrasonography

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        Citations

        This article has been cited 1 times.
        1. Sprayberry KA. Ultrasonographic Examination of the Equine Neonate: Thorax and Abdomen. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2015 Dec;31(3):515-43.
          doi: 10.1016/j.cveq.2015.09.004pubmed: 26612746google scholar: lookup
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