Is there a statistical correlation between ultrasonographic findings and definitive diagnosis in horses with acute abdominal pain?

The research investigates the correlation between abdominal ultrasonographic findings and diseases causing abdominal pain in horses that require surgery. It concludes that ultrasound can be used for accurate definitive diagnosis of small and large intestine diseases.

Objective and Methodology

• This study was conducted to explore the relationship between ultrasound findings of the abdomen and the diseases that can cause abdominal pain in horses, requiring further surgical intervention. The motivation behind this study was the absence of information about the correlation between ultrasound-detected abnormalities and specific categories of diseases pertaining to the small intestine (SI) and large intestine (LI).
• The research involved reviewing the medical records of horses that underwent surgery or post-mortem exams for colic – a condition causing severe abdominal discomfort in equines. The review considered ultrasound examinations of various abdominal regions: peritoneal fluid, left kidney, stomach, duodenum, small intestine loops, and colon.
• By using Logistic Regression analysis, the study aimed to identify any links between disease categories and specific ultrasonographic findings. A Chi-squared test was used to analyze variables and disease categories association.

Findings

• The study comprised 158 horses, and its analysis brought out several significant relationships between ultrasonographic results and specific conditions. For example, distended and non-mobile small intestine loops were associated with strangulated obstruction.
• Increased levels of free peritoneal fluid, fully distended SI loops with abnormal motility, and thickened loops suggested a definitive diagnosis involving SI diseases. The absence of visibility of the left kidney correlated with renosplenic entrapment.
• A thickened large colon was associated with a condition called LC strangulating volvulus.

Conclusions

• Based on these results, the study concludes that abdominal ultrasonography can effectively be used for accurate diagnosis in horses suffering from small or large intestine diseases. It helps in identifying the specific causes of abdominal pain, which require surgical intervention.
• This retrospective study also proposes that it can pave the way for future prospective studies. These could assess and compare ultrasonographic findings with the surgical findings in horses suffering from medical colic.