Outcome and long-term follow-up of 20 horses undergoing surgery for caecal impaction: a retrospective study (2000-2008).

This study looks into the outcomes of 20 horses that underwent surgery for the serious gastrointestinal condition called caecal impaction. The results could increase understanding of short and long-term complications of the surgery and point towards a fair prognosis for horses who survive the operation.

Study Objective and Methods

• The aim of the study was to describe the short and long-term complication rates in horses undergoing surgery for caecal impaction, which can advance to caecum rupture if ignored.
• The research was based on retrospective analysis of case records of horses that had surgery due to an unusually large caecum that was fluid-distended or impacted with feed.
• The cases with already ruptured caecum requiring euthanasia were not included in the study.
• Past clinical records provided the data for short-term follow-up, highlighting complications, repeat celiotomy (surgical incision into the abdominal cavity), and survival until discharge.
• Long-term survival was defined as if a horse survived more than a year after the operation.
• Data regarding long-term follow-up was gathered through telephone interviews with horse owners and the referring veterinary surgeons, and information on survival rates, post-operative colic and subsequent usage of the horse was recorded.

Results of the Surgery

• Out of twenty horses that had surgery for caecal impaction, sixteen of them underwent caecal bypass, while three horses only had typhlotomy, and one horse had a two-step procedure involving typhlotomy and caecal bypass.
• Five horses, or 25%, had primary caecal impactions; and in half of the cases, the impaction occurred after an orthopaedic surgery. Another 25% were identified with caecal impaction at a repeat celiotomy following previous colic surgery.
• About 65% of the horses survived until discharge, out of which 85% survived for the long term.
• Notably, all three horses who had only the typhlotomy without caecal bypass survived until discharge and in the long term.

Conclusions Drawn from the Study

• The results suggest a fair prognosis following caecal impaction surgery. If a horse survives until discharge, the future survival rates are considered to be good.
• The research concludes that surgery for caecal impaction carries a decent prognosis for a potentially life-threatening disease, particularly when caecal dysfunction is suspected.