Surgical management of small intestinal incarceration through the gastrosplenic ligament: 14 cases (1994-2006).

The research aims to analyze the prevalence, clinical manifestations, and long-term survival rates following surgical treatment of horses suffering from small intestinal incarceration through the gastrosplenic ligament.

Methodology

• The study was retrospective and involved a review of medical records of 14 horses with small intestinal incarceration through the gastrosplenic ligament (ISIGL), treated between 1994 and 2006.
• Various data points were noted from these records, including the animals’ signalment (a brief description of the animal), the results of their initial physical examinations, the outcomes of their abdominal fluid analyses and clinical laboratory values.
• The research team also documented specific surgical findings, such as the section of incarcerated intestine and the different surgical procedures carried out.
• For long-term survival data, the team conducted interviews with the clients (horse owners).

Results

• Common clinical manifestations included distention of the small intestine, identified either through rectal palpation or transabdominal ultrasonography, nasogastric reflux, and abnormal abdominal fluid.
• All sampled horses required surgical intervention, specifically intestinal resection and anastomosis.
• Post-surgical complications recorded amongst the sampled horses included adynamic ileus (a lack of movement in the intestines that can lead to a blockage), incisional infection, diarrhea, and laminitis (a painful condition affecting the horse’s hoof).
• The study found no particular breed or age predilection for ISIGL, although geldings (castrated male horses) showed an increased risk.
• The long-term survival rate after surgery for ISIGL was estimated at 79% or 11 out of 14 horses.

Conclusions

• The study concluded that ISIGL is a rare cause of colic in the hospital’s studied population of horses.
• With appropriate and timely surgical intervention and postoperative care, the long-term outlook for horses suffering from ISIGL ranges from fair to good.