Loop colostomy for treatment of grade-3 rectal tears in horses: seven cases (1983-1994).

This research explores the effectiveness of a single-incision loop colostomy in treating severe rectal tears in horses. The study involved seven horses and showed a generally positive prognosis, though some complications occurred, including one case of euthanization due to severe recurrent colic.

Research Methodology

• The study was conducted on seven adult horses which presented grade-3 rectal tears – these are severe injuries to the rectum.
• The researchers performed a single-incision loop colostomy. For six of the horses, this was done under general anesthesia, while one was restrained in standing stocks.
• Post-surgery, the horses’ rectal tears were cleaned using an internal rinse with an endoscope. Once healed, the colostomy was resected.

Results and Findings

• The sizes of the rectal tears ranged from 4 to 10cm in diameter and were located over 25cm away from the anus.
• All seven horses survived the colostomy surgery, but one was euthanized the following day at the owner’s request.
• Of the remaining six horses, all underwent colostomy resection 13 to 30 days after initial colostomy. Two horses developed a condition known as impaction at the small colon anastomosis, due to atrophy of the distal segment of small colon.
• One horse was euthanized during hospitalization due to severe recurrent colic, a common digestive disorder among horses.
• Five horses were discharged from the hospital between 31 to 45 days after initial admission. From these, one was euthanized 60 months post-discharge due to severe colic, but the other four were alive at the last follow-up, 3 to 12 months after hospital discharge.

Conclusion

• Overall, the research deduces that the prognosis for horses with grade-3 rectal tears treated with a single-incision loop colostomy is generally favorable, though some complications may arise.