Resection and anastomosis of the descending colon in 43 horses.

This research study aims to determine the short-term and long-term survival rates of horses that underwent resection and anastomosis of the descending colon. The factors affecting the survival rates and the common complications encountered during the perioperative period are also examined.

Research Methodology

• The research was conducted as a multicentric case series studying 43 horses that had undergone descending colon resection and anastomosis.
• Medical records from January 1995 to June 2009 from 7 equine referral hospitals were reviewed meticulously. Information about the horses’ histories, clinical and clinicopathologic examinations results, findings during the surgery, postsurgical treatment and complications, and short-term survival (hospital discharge) were gathered.
• Long-term survival was defined as survival greater than or equal to 6 months after the hospital discharge.

Results of the Study

• Out of the 43 horses in the study, 36 (around 84%) were discharged from the hospital after surgery.
• Of the 30 horses with available follow-up information, 28 survived for 6 months or more after leaving the hospital.
• The study found that no significant associations were found between the factors examined during the perioperative period and the short-term survival of horses.
• The most common lesions found in the horses were strangulating lipoma (27 horses), post-foaling trauma (4 horses), infarction or tissue death due to lack of blood supply (4 horses), obstructions within the colon’s interior (2 horses), and various others (6 horses).
• Common complications encountered post-surgery included fever and diarrhea. Seven horses were euthanized or died during hospitalization due to septic peritonitis (3 horses), endotoxemia or the presence of harmful bacterial toxins in the blood (3 horses), or colic and ileus (1 horse).

Conclusions Derived from the Research

• Resection and anastomosis of the descending colon in horses have a favorable prognosis for hospital discharge and survival beyond 6 months.
• The most common cause of small colon incarceration was strangulating lipoma.
• While complications like postoperative fever and diarrhea did occur, the overall prognosis remained good for small colon resection and anastomosis in horses.