Simulated small intestinal volvulus in the anesthetized horse.

This research studied the effects of artificial small intestinal volvulus, a condition of intestinal twisting, in anesthetized horses. The aim was to understand the physical symptoms and the impact this condition has on several observed values. An emphasis was put on the significance of anesthesia in delaying and modifying the symptoms related to shock and volvulus.

Methodology

• The researchers simulated a closed loop small intestinal volvulus by ligating the mesenterial veins to a segment of the small intestine in an anesthetized horse.
• The study then monitored the physical symptoms, and several hematological, clinical, bacteriological, peritoneal fluid values, and most significantly, the horse’s response to shock and small intestinal volvulus.

Findings

• The study found that anesthesia highly delayed and modified the clinical signs of shock like changes in mucosal color, dehydration, decreased skin temperature, elevated pulse rate, and low blood pressures.
• Similarly, anesthesia modified the symptoms of small intestinal volvulus like altered peristalsis, and gastric dilation.
• The study also observed a modified plasma glucose response to shock due to unconsciousness caused by anesthesia.
• However, the research showed an indication of a dose response relationship between the extent of intestinal damage and the manifested clinical symptoms.
• This dose response relationship was applicable to changes in observed measures such as blood pressure, blood acid-base balance, lactate, potassium, chloride, glucose, inorganic phosphorus, creatinine, creatine kinase, red and white blood cell counts and serum total protein.
• Similar relationships were also indicated in peritoneal fluid values including volume, lactate, pH, total white cell counts, alkaline phosphatase and bacteriology.

Conclusion

• The study concluded that the changes related to shock, manifested as low blood pressures, and metabolic acidosis due to anaerobic glycolysis with accumulation of lactic acid.
• Low plasma glucose, elevated plasma potassium, creatinine, inorganic phosphorus and creatine kinase were also suspected to be consequences of shock.

Overall, this study aimed to simulate and understand the effects of a small intestinal volvulus in anesthetized horses, with key findings surrounding the impact of anesthesia on the manifestation of related symptoms and responses. It drew relationships between the extent of intestinal damage and various physiological parameters, contributing valuable information to equine health studies.