Nonstrangulating intestinal infarctions associated with Strongylus vulgaris: Clinical presentation and treatment outcomes of 30 horses (2008-2016).

The research investigates the clinical presentation and treatment outcomes of 30 horses suffering from non-strangulating intestinal infarctions linked with Strongylus vulgaris, a parasite, between 2008 and 2016. The findings suggest that, where the parasite is prevalent, non-strangulating intestinal infarction should be considered as a possible diagnosis for horses presenting with mild colic and peritonitis.

Research Objective and Methods

This study aims to understand non-strangulating intestinal infarction associated with the parasite Strongylus vulgaris in horses. This condition is a rising concern as S. vulgaris resurfaces more frequently in horses kept under surveillance-based parasite control systems. Non-strangulating intestinal infarction was diagnosed in 30 horses that exhibited:

• Localised intestinal infarction
• Concurrent signs of S. vulgaris migration
• No signs of intestinal strangulation or entercolitis

Data collected from 2008-2016 from the horses’ medical records was retrospectively analysed. Long-term follow-up information was gained via telephone interviews. Tests were performed to determine levels of S. vulgaris-specific antibodies. The relationship between non-strangulating intestinal infarction and selected variables were explored using Fisher’s exact and Mann-Whitney U tests.

Results and Findings

At admission, most of the horses:

• Had mild colic for over 24 hours
• Did not show signs of shock or strangulated intestine
• Had increased white blood cells in the peritoneal fluid
• Had increased serum amyloid A concentrations
• Had a positive S. vulgaris-specific antibody titre

Medical treatment appropriately was tried on nine horses, but survival rates were nil. Twenty-one horses underwent exploratory laparotomy. Eleven horses were euthanised during the operation due to the poor prognosis. Three (33%) horses that underwent intestinal resection survived and were discharged. Two years post-discharge, these horses were alive and had returned to their athletic function.

Conclusions

Non-strangulating intestinal infarction diagnosis is significant in horses showing mild colic and peritonitis in areas with prevalent S. vulgaris. Surgical intervention with the resection of the infarcted intestine offers a chance of survival. However, it is difficult to estimate the prognosis for surgical intervention as only nine out of the 30 affected horses underwent surgical treatment.
The research provides vital data to improve the condition’s recognition, but further findings are needed for a definitive prognosis on surgical intervention in these cases.