Strangulating obstruction caused by intestinal herniation through the proximal aspect of the cecocolic fold in 9 horses.

This research investigates the results and symptoms of nine horses suffering from strangulating obstruction caused by herniation through the portion of the cecocolic fold closest to the horse’s body. It is discovered that anatomical differences in the thickness of the cecocolic fold could possibly contribute to this issue.

Methodology

• The study is retrospective in nature, involving the review of medical records of nine horses presenting with strangulating obstruction.
• Information on clinical signs, surgical findings, techniques used, and outcomes were extracted from these records for analysis.
• To gain a better understanding of the condition, cadaver ponies and necropsy specimens were also utilized to study the regional anatomy of the cecocolic fold.

Results

• In eight horses, the ileum (the third portion of the small intestine) and distal jejunum (the section of the small intestine between the ileum and the duodenum) were strangulated.
• In one case, both the small intestine and the left ascending colons were trapped in a tear in the cecocolic fold.
• Two horses had to be euthanized during surgery. In six others, a portion of the small intestine (with an average length of 3 meters) was removed and an end-to-side jejunocecostomy (surgical connection of the jejunum and cecum) was carried out.
• In the remaining horse, the entrapment was reduced without resection, and the defects in the cecocolic fold were not closed.
• One horse was euthanized 36 hours post-surgery due to endotoxemia (toxins in the blood).
• In cases where follow-up was available, some horses were euthanized due to colic signs, while other were discharged.

Conclusion

• Unknown reasons cause cecocolic fold defects, but there are observed variations in the thickness of the fold that might contribute to defects’ formation.
• Physicians found that the easiest way to reduce the entrapped bowel was when traction was placed on the bowel at a right angle to the base of the cecum.
• Intestinal herniation through tears in the portion of the cecocolic fold closest to the body should be taken into account as a potential cause of strangulating obstruction in horses.