Jejunocolostomy or ileocolostomy for treatment of cecal impaction in horses: nine cases (1985-1995).

This research examines the efficiency of jejunocolostomy or ileocolostomy as a treatment for cecal impaction in horses. It found that these two procedures may lead to lasting resolution of this condition, with expected minimal abdominal discomfort at the beginning of feeding after the surgery.

Methods

• The study was a retrospective analysis of medical records.
• Nine horses diagnosed with cecal impaction underwent the surgical procedures of jejunocolostomy or ileocolostomy, with or without a separate surgery known as typhlotomy for the evacuation of cecal contents.
• Data derived from these records included age, breed, gender, duration of medical treatment, abnormalities noted pre-operation, the surgical procedure done, and any post-surgical complications.
• Follow-up data regarding the horses’ condition and overall health after the surgeries were acquired through phone interviews with the horses’ owners.

Results

• Among the nine horses, six were males and three females, and their ages ranged from 9 to 24 years, with an average of 14 years.
• Five out of the nine horses exhibited mild pain when food was reintroduced after surgery.
• Of the seven horses for which follow-up information was available, all remained alive between 7 and 54 months (with an average of 1.5 years) after the surgery.

Conclusions

• Both jejunocolostomy and ileocolostomy surgeries led to what appears to be a permanent resolution of cecal impaction in the treated horses, with acceptable long-lasting outcomes.
• The research highlighted that minor signs of abdominal pain associated with the onset of feeding can be anticipated in the early phase after the operation.

Implications

• This study indicates that for horses suffering from cecal impaction, jejunocolostomy or ileocolostomy may be considered effective treatment methods.
• While minor abdominal discomfort may occur during the initial return to feeding after the procedure, the overall health of the horse can be significantly improved and maintained over a comparatively long period.