FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 9000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
Home / Equine Research Bank / PLoS One / Right dorsal colon ultrasonography in normal adult ponies an...
PloS one2017; 12(10); e0186825; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186825

Right dorsal colon ultrasonography in normal adult ponies and miniature horses.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the normal location, wall thickness and motility of the right dorsal colon in adult ponies and miniature horses. The abdominal ultrasonography examination was performed in a study group consisting of 23 ponies and miniature horses and in a control group comprising ten Thoroughbred horses. The procedure was performed in unsedated standing animals. The location and the thickness of the right dorsal colonic wall was examined on the right side of the abdomen between the 10th and the 14th intercostal space. The contractility was recorded in the 12th intercostal space. A comparative analysis between the study group and control group was carried out using the Student's t-test. Pearson's linear correlation coefficient was used to calculate the correlation between the thickness of the colonic wall as well as the number of peristaltic movements and age, wither height and body mass of the animals. The right dorsal colon was identified in all the horses in the 12th intercostal space. In all the intercostal spaces the mean ± standard deviation (SD) wall thickness of the right dorsal colon was 0.27 ± 0.03 cm in the horses from the study group and 0.37 ± 0.03 cm in the control horses. The mean number of peristaltic contractions was 4.05 ± 1.07 per minute in the animals from the study group and 1.7 ± 0.46 contractions per minute in the control group. The values of the ultrasonographic wall thickness and peristaltic motility in small breed horses in the present study were different from the values obtained for large breed horses. The study also found that the right dorsal colon in small breed horses is physiologically located in the 12th intercostal space. This suggests that different reference values should be used in small horse breeds when performing an ultrasound examination.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2017-10-24 PubMed ID: 29065146PubMed Central: PMC5655355DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186825Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
LinkedInCopy
  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The objective of this study was to identify the characteristics of the right dorsal colon in adult ponies and miniature horses using abdominal ultrasonography and comparing the findings with those from large breed horses. The research revealed differences between small and large breed horses in colonic wall thickness, motility, and physiological location leading to the conclusion that breed-specific reference values should be used in ultrasound examinations.

Methodology of the Study

  • The research involved two groups; one comprising 23 ponies and miniature horses (study group) and the other ten Thoroughbred horses (control group).
  • All animals were subjected to an abdominal ultrasonography examination while in a standing and non-sedated state.
  • The location and thickness of the right dorsal colonic wall were scrutinized between the 10th and the 14th intercostal space on the right side of the abdomen.
  • The contractility of the colon was recorded in the 12th intercostal space.
  • The results from both groups were analyzed using the Student’s t-test, while the Pearson’s linear correlation coefficient calculated the relationship between the thickness of the colonic wall, the number of peristaltic movements, and age, wither height, and body mass of the animals.

Results of the Study

  • In all the individuals, the right dorsal colon was identified in the 12th intercostal space.
  • The average wall thickness of the right dorsal colon located in this intercostal space was 0.27 ± 0.03 cm for the study group and 0.37 ± 0.03 cm for the control group.
  • On average, the rate of peristaltic contractions was 4.05 ± 1.07 per minute in the study group and 1.7 ± 0.46 contractions per minute in the control group.
  • Thus, differences were noted in the ultrasonographic wall thickness and peristaltic motility of the right dorsal colon between small and large breed horses.

Conclusion of the Study

  • The study concluded that the physiological location of the right dorsal colon in small breed horses is within the 12th intercostal space.
  • Significant differences were evident between small breed and large breed horses in terms of the colonic wall thickness and peristaltic motility.
  • The findings suggest the need for different reference values while conducting ultrasound examinations on small breed horses as compared to large breed horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Siwinska N, Zak A, Baron M, Cylna M, Borowicz H. (2017). Right dorsal colon ultrasonography in normal adult ponies and miniature horses. PLoS One, 12(10), e0186825. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0186825

Publication

PloS one
ISSN: 1932-6203
NlmUniqueID: 101285081
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 12
Issue: 10
Pages: e0186825
PII: e0186825

Researcher Affiliations

Siwinska, Natalia
  • Department of Internal Medicine and Clinic of Diseases of Horses, Dogs and Cats, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland.
Zak, Agnieszka
  • Department of Internal Medicine and Clinic of Diseases of Horses, Dogs and Cats, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland.
Baron, Monika
  • Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland.
Cylna, Marta
  • Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland.
Borowicz, Hieronim
  • Department of Internal Medicine and Clinic of Diseases of Horses, Dogs and Cats, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Colon / diagnostic imaging
  • Colon / physiopathology
  • Horse Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Horse Diseases / physiopathology
  • Horses
  • Peristalsis
  • Ultrasonography / methods

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

References

This article includes 45 references
  1. Gomaa N, Uhlig A, Schusser GF. Effect of Buscopan compositum on the motility of the duodenum, cecum and left ventral colon in healthy conscious horses.. Berl Munch Tierarztl Wochenschr 2011 Mar-Apr;124(3-4):168-74.
    pubmed: 21462866
  2. Williams S, Tucker CA, Green MJ, Freeman SL. Investigation of the effect of pasture and stable management on large intestinal motility in the horse, measured using transcutaneous ultrasonography.. Equine Vet J Suppl 2011 Aug;(39):93-7.
    pubmed: 21790761doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2011.00399.xgoogle scholar: lookup
  3. Reeves MJ, Gay JM, Hilbert BJ, Morris RS. Association of age, sex and breed factors in acute equine colic: a retrospective study of 320 cases admitted to a veterinary teaching hospital in the U.S.A.. Prev Vet Med 1989; 7:149–160.
  4. Proudman CJ. A two year, prospective survey of equine colic in general practice.. Equine Vet J 1992 Mar;24(2):90-3.
    pubmed: 1582399doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1992.tb02789.xgoogle scholar: lookup
  5. Dabareiner RM, White NA. Large colon impaction in horses: 147 cases (1985-1991).. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1995 Mar 1;206(5):679-85.
    pubmed: 7744691
  6. Mezerová J, Kabeš R, Žert Z, Jahn P, Hanák J. Impaction of right dorsal colon in the horse: report of 32 cases.. Vet Med—Czech 2001; 46:293–300.
  7. Curtis L, Burford JH, Thomas JS, Curran ML, Bayes TC, England GC, Freeman SL. Prospective study of the primary evaluation of 1016 horses with clinical signs of abdominal pain by veterinary practitioners, and the differentiation of critical and non-critical cases.. Acta Vet Scand 2015 Oct 6;57:69.
    pmc: PMC4596518pubmed: 26444675doi: 10.1186/s13028-015-0160-9google scholar: lookup
  8. Phillips TJ, Walmsley JP. Retrospective analysis of the results of 151 exploratory laparotomies in horses with gastrointestinal disease.. Equine Vet J 1993 Sep;25(5):427-31.
    pubmed: 8223375doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1993.tb02985.xgoogle scholar: lookup
  9. Pease AP, Scrivani PV, Erb HN, Cook VL. Accuracy of increased large-intestine wall thickness during ultrasonography for diagnosing large-colon torsion in 42 horses.. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2004 May-Jun;45(3):220-4.
    pubmed: 15200259doi: 10.1111/j.1740-8261.2004.04038.xgoogle scholar: lookup
  10. Mueller E, Moore JN. Rectal examination of horses with acute abdominal pain.. Comp Cont Edu Pract Vet 2000; 22:606–615.
  11. Abutarbush SM. Use of ultrasonography to diagnose large colon volvulus in horses.. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2006 Feb 1;228(3):409-13.
    pubmed: 16448367doi: 10.2460/javma.228.3.409google scholar: lookup
  12. Buchanan BR, Sommardahl CS, Moore RR, Donnell RL. What is your diagnosis? Pyloric-duodenal intussusception.. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2006 May 1;228(9):1339-40.
    pubmed: 16649933doi: 10.2460/javma.228.9.1339google scholar: lookup
  13. Freeman SL. Ultrasonography of the equine abdomen: Findings in the colic patient.. In Pract 2002; 24:262–273.
  14. Klohnen A, Vachon AM, Fischer AT Jr. Use of diagnostic ultrasonography in horses with signs of acute abdominal pain.. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1996 Nov 1;209(9):1597-601.
    pubmed: 8899025
  15. Scharner D, Rotting A, Gerlach K, Rasch K, Freeman DE. Ultrasonography of the abdomen in the horse with colic.. Clin Tech Equine Pract 2002; 1:118–124.
  16. Taintor J, Stewart AJ, Christmann U, Beard D. What is your diagnosis? Cecocolic intussusception.. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2004 Dec 15;225(12):1829-30.
    pubmed: 15643831doi: 10.2460/javma.2004.225.1829google scholar: lookup
  17. Beccati F, Pepe M, Gialletti R, Cercone M, Bazzica C, Nannarone S. Is there a statistical correlation between ultrasonographic findings and definitive diagnosis in horses with acute abdominal pain?. Equine Vet J Suppl 2011 Aug;(39):98-105.
    pubmed: 21790762doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2011.00428.xgoogle scholar: lookup
  18. Bithell S, Habershon-Butcher JL, Bowen IM, Hallowell GD. Repeatability and reproducibility of transabdominal ultrasonographic intestinal wall thickness measurements in Thoroughbred horses.. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2010 Nov-Dec;51(6):647-51.
    pubmed: 21158239doi: 10.1111/j.1740-8261.2010.01715.xgoogle scholar: lookup
  19. Schumacher J, Edwards JF, Cohen ND. Chronic idiopathic inflammatory bowel diseases of the horse.. J Vet Intern Med 2000 May-Jun;14(3):258-65.
    pubmed: 10830538doi: 10.1892/0891-6640(2000)014<0258:ciibdo>2.3.co;2google scholar: lookup
  20. Freeman SL, Mason PJ, Staley C. Comparison of ultrasonographic and histologic assessment of normal and strangulating intestine in the horse.. Eur J Ultrasound 2001; 13:1–35.
    pubmed: 0
  21. Jones SL, Davis J, Rowlingson K. Ultrasonographic findings in horses with right dorsal colitis: five cases (2000-2001).. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2003 May 1;222(9):1248-51.
    pubmed: 12725314doi: 10.2460/javma.2003.222.1248google scholar: lookup
  22. Bernard WV, Reef VB, Reimer JM, Humber KA, Orsini JA. Ultrasonographic diagnosis of small-intestinal intussusception in three foals.. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1989 Feb 1;194(3):395-7.
    pubmed: 2645258
  23. Freeman SL. Ultrasonography of the equine abdomen: Techniques and normal findings.. In Pract 2002; 24:204–211.
  24. Galvin N, Dillon H, McGovern F. Right dorsal colitis in the horse: minireview and reports on three cases in Ireland.. Ir Vet J 2004 Aug 1;57(8):467-73.
    pmc: PMC3113814pubmed: 21851661doi: 10.1186/2046-0481-57-8-467google scholar: lookup
  25. Aleman M, Gillis CL, Nieto JE, Renaudin CD, Bea J. Ultrasonographic anatomy and biometric analysis of the thoracic and abdominal organs in healthy foals from birth to age 6 months.. Equine Vet J 2002 Nov;34(7):649-55.
    pubmed: 12455834doi: 10.2746/042516402776250414google scholar: lookup
  26. Mitchell CF, Malone ED, Sage AM, Niksich K. Evaluation of gastrointestinal activity patterns in healthy horses using B mode and Doppler ultrasonography.. Can Vet J 2005 Feb;46(2):134-40.
    pmc: PMC1082861pubmed: 15825515
  27. Sasaki N, Murata A, Lee I, Yamada H. Evaluation of equine cecal motility by ausculation, ultrasonography and electrointestinography after jejunocecostomy.. Res Vet Sci 2008 Apr;84(2):305-10.
    doi: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2007.04.009pubmed: 17570455google scholar: lookup
  28. Epstein K, Short D, Parente E, Reef V, Southwood L. Gastrointestinal ultrasonography in normal adult ponies.. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2008 May-Jun;49(3):282-6.
    pubmed: 18546787doi: 10.1111/j.1740-8261.2008.00367.xgoogle scholar: lookup
  29. Delaney F, O'Brien RT, Waller K. Ultrasound evaluation of small bowel thickness compared to weight in normal dogs.. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2003 Sep-Oct;44(5):577-80.
    pubmed: 14599172doi: 10.1111/j.1740-8261.2003.tb00510.xgoogle scholar: lookup
  30. Henneke DR, Potter GD, Kreider JL, Yeates BF. Relationship between condition score, physical measurements and body fat percentage in mares.. Equine Vet J 1983 Oct;15(4):371-2.
    pubmed: 6641685doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1983.tb01826.xgoogle scholar: lookup
  31. Williams S, Cooper J, Freeman S. Evaluation of normal findings using a detailed and focused technique for transcutaneous abdominal ultrasonography in the horse.. BMC Vet Res 2014;10 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):S5.
    doi: 10.1186/1746-6148-10-S1-S5pmc: PMC4122957pubmed: 25238559google scholar: lookup
  32. Reef VB, Whittier M, Griswold Allam L. Sonographic evaluation of the adult abdomen.. Clin Tech Equine Pract 2004; 3:294–307.
  33. Busoni V, De Busscher V, Lopez D, Verwilghen D, Cassart D. Evaluation of a protocol for fast localised abdominal sonography of horses (FLASH) admitted for colic.. Vet J 2011 Apr;188(1):77-82.
    doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2010.02.017pubmed: 20347357google scholar: lookup
  34. Smith RS, Fry WR. Ultrasound instrumentation.. Surg Clin North Am 2004 Aug;84(4):953-71, v.
    doi: 10.1016/j.suc.2004.04.002pubmed: 15261749google scholar: lookup
  35. Fleischer AC, Muhletaler CA, James AE Jr. Sonographic assessment of the bowel wall.. AJR Am J Roentgenol 1981 May;136(5):887-91.
    pubmed: 6784522doi: 10.2214/ajr.136.5.887google scholar: lookup
  36. Cohen HL, Zinn HL, Haller JO, Homel PJ, Stoane JM. Ultrasonography of pylorospasm: findings may simulate hypertrophic pyloric stenosis.. J Ultrasound Med 1998 Nov;17(11):705-11.
    pubmed: 9805307doi: 10.7863/jum.1998.17.11.705google scholar: lookup
  37. Norman T, Chaffin K, Schmitz D. Effects of fasting and intraluminal contrast enhancement on ultrasonographic appearance of the equine small intestine.. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2010 Nov-Dec;51(6):642-6.
    pubmed: 21158238doi: 10.1111/j.1740-8261.2010.01719.xgoogle scholar: lookup
  38. Liu Y, Zhao J, Liao D, Bao L, Gregersen H. Low-residue diet fed to rabbits induces histomorphological and biomechanical remodeling of small intestine.. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2017 Apr;29(4).
    pubmed: 27790839doi: 10.1111/nmo.12983google scholar: lookup
  39. Rabba S, Busoni V. Transabdominal ultrasonography in the adult horse.. Ippologia 2009; 20:5–12.
  40. Naylor JM, Poirier KL, Hamilton DL, Dowling PM. The effects of feeding and fasting on gastrointestinal sounds in adult horses.. J Vet Intern Med 2006 Nov-Dec;20(6):1408-13.
    pubmed: 17186858doi: 10.1892/0891-6640(2006)20[1408:teofaf]2.0.co;2google scholar: lookup
  41. Williams S, Horner J, Orton E, Green M, McMullen S, Mobasheri A, Freeman SL. Water intake, faecal output and intestinal motility in horses moved from pasture to a stabled management regime with controlled exercise.. Equine Vet J 2015 Jan;47(1):96-100.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.12238pmc: PMC4303976pubmed: 24528106google scholar: lookup
  42. Brinkmann L, Gerken M, Hambly C, Speakman JR, Riek A. Thyroid hormones correlate with field metabolic rate in ponies, Equus ferus caballus.. J Exp Biol 2016 Aug 15;219(Pt 16):2559-66.
    doi: 10.1242/jeb.138784pubmed: 27312472google scholar: lookup
  43. Brinkmann L, Gerken M, Riek A. Adaptation strategies to seasonal changes in environmental conditions of a domesticated horse breed, the Shetland pony (Equus ferus caballus).. J Exp Biol 2012 Apr 1;215(Pt 7):1061-8.
    doi: 10.1242/jeb.064832pubmed: 22399650google scholar: lookup
  44. National Research Council. Nutrient requirements of horses, 6th ed. .
  45. Cohen ND, Carter GK, Mealey RH, Taylor TS. Medical management of right dorsal colitis in 5 horses: a retrospective study (1987-1993).. J Vet Intern Med 1995 Jul-Aug;9(4):272-6.
    pubmed: 8523325doi: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.1995.tb01079.xgoogle scholar: lookup

Citations

This article has been cited 2 times.
  1. Flood J, Stewart AJ. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Associated Toxicities in Horses. Animals (Basel) 2022 Oct 26;12(21).
    doi: 10.3390/ani12212939pubmed: 36359062google scholar: lookup
  2. Flood J, Byrne D, Bauquier J, Agne GF, Wise JC, Medina-Torres CE, Wood K, Sullivan O, Stewart AJ. Right dorsal colitis in horses: A multicenter retrospective study of 35 cases. J Vet Intern Med 2023 Nov-Dec;37(6):2535-2543.
    doi: 10.1111/jvim.16884pubmed: 37800408google scholar: lookup
Subscribe to our newsletter
Join 99,357 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.