Large colon resection and anastomosis in horses.

This research involved performing large colon resection and anastomosis surgeries on 11 horses, using various methods. The surgical outcomes were generally positive, with most horses surviving and showing no symptoms of gastrointestinal disease in the long term. Moreover, horses evaluated for athletic or reproductive performance were all able to return to their original potential.

Objective of the Research

• This study aimed to establish the effectiveness of large colon resection and anastomosis surgeries in horses and to evaluate its potential impacts on their health and performance.

Methodology

• The research involved a total of 11 horses, all of which underwent large colon resection and anastomosis surgery at different levels using various surgical methods. These procedures involved removing a portion of the horses’ large colons and then connecting the remaining sections.
• The sites for resection ranged from the pelvic flexure, which is where the large colon bends sharply downwards, to the cecocolic ligament, a connective tissue that links the cecum and the colon in horses.

Results

• Out of the 11 horses, 9 survived the surgery and did not present any clinical signs referring to gastrointestinal disease during the follow-up period, which ranged from 4 months to 7 years.
• The researchers also evaluated the athletic and reproductive performance of the horses following the surgery. Out of the 7 horses that could be evaluated for these parameters, all of them were able to return to their initial potential.

Conclusion

• The findings indicate that large colon resection and anastomosis surgery can be successfully performed on horses, with most recovering without showing recurring signs of gastrointestinal disease.
• The surgery seems to have no adverse effects on the horses’ athletic or reproductive abilities, suggesting that the procedure is not only viable but also offers a good prognosis for the overall wellbeing and performance of the horses.