Non-surgical correction of nephrosplenic entrapment and colitis in a Quarter Horse.

The research article describes the case of a 16-year-old Quarter Horse who presented with symptoms of colic, fever, and diarrhea, and was found to have a condition called nephrosplenic entrapment as well as colitis. The horse was treated non-surgically with a regimen of jogging and anti-inflammatory medication, and the horse fully recovered.

Case Presentation and Diagnosis

• The study discusses the case of a 16-year-old Quarter Horse that was brought in for examination due to acute signs of colic, pyrexia (fever), and diarrhea. These symptoms could point to numerous possible digestive or systemic disorders, therefore further examination was necessary to determine the actual cause of illness.
• Upon rectal palpation, the veterinarians detected a nephrosplenic entrapment. This is a specific type of colic where the large colon of the horse becomes lodged over the nephrosplenic ligament, which connects the spleen and the kidney. The diagnosis was further confirmed with an abdominal ultrasound. The entrapped colon can cause the horse severe discomfort and can potentially be life-threatening.

Treatment and Recovery

• Unlike typical treatment methods for nephrosplenic entrapment that often require surgical intervention, the researchers opted for a non-surgical treatment method. This involved having the horse jog and administering anti-inflammatory medication. The jogging was designed to encourage the dislodgment of the colon from the nephrosplenic ligament, restoring it to its normal position.
• The horse was also found to be suffering from concurrent colitis (inflammation of the colon), toxic laminitis (a painful condition affecting the horse’s feet due to the release of endotoxins in the body, often associated with digestive diseases), and inappetence (lack of appetite). These conditions were managed alongside the treatment for the nephrosplenic entrapment. It is likely that supportive care and medication, potentially including fluid therapy, pain relief, and antibiotics, were used to treat these conditions, although the paper does not specify these detailed treatment protocols.
• Following the non-surgical treatment and management of the associated conditions, the horse was observed to make a full recovery. This highlights the feasibility of non-surgical treatment methods for nephrosplenic entrapment in horses, especially when detected early and managed effectively.