Small intestinal volvulus in 115 horses: 1988-2000.

This research looks at historical data, demographic information, clinical signs, laboratory analysis results, treatment and outcome of horses diagnosed with small intestinal volvulus (a type of bowel obstruction) over a 12-year period. It reveals that there was no substantial change in the demographic distribution between cases and the hospital population. The prognosis for post-operative survival to hospital discharge is good (80%), although post-operative complications were common, affecting approximately half the horses that were ultimately discharged.

Methodology

• The study retrospectively evaluated the data of 115 client-owned horses ranging from 1 month to 21 years old which were diagnosed with Small Intestinal (SI) volvulus.
• The analysis involved a detailed review of clinical signs, laboratory data, surgical or necropsy findings, and outcome for these horses. This information was obtained by computer search and manual review of the horses’ medical records.

Results

• There were no notable differences in demographic information (signalment) between the horses with SI volvulus and the overall hospital population. 74% of the horses were aged 3 years or older.
• Clinical signs on admission varied significantly among the horses and no consistent features like high heart rate or severe pain were observed. Rectal examination identified distended small intestine in only 69% of the horses.
• Of the 115 horses, 100 underwent surgery where a small intestine resection was performed on 25. 84 horses survived the surgery, and 67 lived till hospital discharge. This indicates an 80% recovery rate post-surgery among the horses and a 58% survival rate altogether among the 115 horses.
• Approximately half of the horses that were ultimately discharged experienced a post-operative complication, which resulted in a longer average hospital stay (11 days vs 8.9 days).

Conclusions

• Over a 12-year period, 115 horses were identified with primary SI volvulus. It was found that the affected population was older than previously reported.
• The prognosis for post-operative survival to hospital discharge was good, clocking an 80% rate. However, post-operative complications were a common occurrence, affecting about half the horses that were ultimately discharged.
• The study provides valuable information that could aid in the diagnosis, prognosis, and decision-making process of future horses with this condition.