Mesenteric rents as a source of small intestinal strangulation in horses: 15 cases (1990-1997).
Abstract: To describe the clinical findings in horses with small intestinal strangulation through mesenteric rents, and to determine the recurrence and survival rates after surgery. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 15 horses with small intestinal obstruction via a mesenteric rent. Methods: Medical records of horses with obstruction of the small intestine via a mesenteric rent between January 1990 and December 1997 were reviewed. The signalment, history, initial physical examination findings, results of abdominocentesis, and clinical laboratory values were recorded. Surgical findings, including location of the mesenteric rent and surgical procedure performed, were recorded. Short- and long-term survival rates were calculated. Results: Most mesenteric rents were located in the mesentery of the small intestine (13 horses). Two horses had multiple mesenteric defects. Seven horses were euthanatized at surgery because of an inability to reduce the entrapped intestine (3 horses), uncontrollable hemorrhage (2), inability to close the rent (1), and the amount of compromised intestine involved (1). Seven horses required intestinal resection and anastomosis. The median length of intestine resected was 2.6 m (range, 0.6 to 4.5 m). The mesenteric rents created during resection were not closed in 2 horses. One of these 2 horses subsequently developed a strangulating obstruction through the open rent. Seven of 15 horses in our study were discharged from the hospital (i.e., short-term survival rate of 47% [7/15]). Long-term follow-up information was available for 5 of the 7 horses (follow-up duration of 5 months to 9 years), of which 2 died as a result of colic, and 1 horse was euthanatized because of severe arthritis (i.e., long-term survival rate of 40% [2/5]). Conclusions: Inability to reduce the intestinal obstruction, severe hemorrhage from the mesentery, and the length of intestine involved are the main factors that decrease survival rates in horses with small intestinal strangulation caused by mesenteric rents.
Publication Date: 2000-05-09 PubMed ID: 10800518DOI: 10.2460/javma.2000.216.1446Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This research study investigates the clinical and surgical outcomes of horses suffering from small intestinal strangulation caused by mesenteric rents (tears). The results reveal key factors impacting survival rates, which include the severity of intestinal obstruction, uncontrollable bleeding, and the length of the compromised intestine.
Research Methodology
- The researchers conducted a retrospective study of 15 horses diagnosed with small intestinal obstruction caused by mesenteric rents from January 1990 until December 1997.
- Various data from the medical records of the studied horses were examined including their signalment, history, initial physical examination results, abdominocentesis outcomes, and other clinical laboratory values.
- The research also focused on surgical findings such as the location of the mesenteric rent and the specific surgical procedures undertaken.
- Both short- and long-term survival rates of the animals after surgery were calculated to evaluate the effectiveness of surgical treatment.
Key Findings
- Majority of the mesenteric rents were found to be located in the mesentery of the small intestine.
- Seven horses required intestinal resection and anastomosis, with a median length of 2.6 meters of intestines resected.
- Seven horses were euthanized during surgery due to various reasons, such as inability to reduce the entrapped intestine, uncontrolled hemorrhage, inability to close the rent, and significant involvement of the compromised intestine.
- Short-term survival rate (those discharged from hospital) was calculated at 47%, while long-term survival rate was 40%, with some horses dying due to colic or being euthanized because of severe arthritis.
Conclusion
- The research concluded that the inability to reduce the intestinal obstruction, severe hemorrhage from the mesentery, and the length of the intestine involved were the primary factors decreasing survival rates in horses suffering from small intestinal strangulation brought about by mesenteric rents.
- Given the significant risk factors and low survival rates, the results underscore the need for immediate and effective veterinary intervention for horses inflicted with this condition.
Cite This Article
APA
Gayle JM, Blikslager AT, Bowman KF.
(2000).
Mesenteric rents as a source of small intestinal strangulation in horses: 15 cases (1990-1997).
J Am Vet Med Assoc, 216(9), 1446-1449.
https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.2000.216.1446 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27606, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Female
- Horse Diseases / etiology
- Horse Diseases / mortality
- Horse Diseases / surgery
- Horses
- Intestinal Obstruction / etiology
- Intestinal Obstruction / mortality
- Intestinal Obstruction / surgery
- Intestinal Obstruction / veterinary
- Intestine, Small
- Male
- Mesentery / injuries
- Mesentery / surgery
- Recurrence
- Survival Rate
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