Surgical treatment of colic in the miniature horse: a retrospective study of 57 cases (1993-2006).

This research article examines the prevalence and types of surgical complications, specifically related to colic, in miniature horses. The study reviews medical records of these animals over a span of 13 years and collects follow-up information to understand short-term and long-term survival rates.

Objective and Methodology

The objective of this study is to ascertain the frequency and types of surgical complications seen in miniature horses suffering from acute abdominal disease, specifically colic. The research methods relied on an analysis of medical records. These records pertain to 57 American Miniature Horses that underwent surgical intervention for acute abdominal pain, at the Michigan State University Large Animal Veterinary Teaching Hospital, from 1993 to 2006. The researchers also engaged with the animals’ owners and trainers to gather information on long-term survival of the horses.

Study Findings

• The most frequently occurring surgical complication was a faecalith (formation of hardened feces), detected in 38/57 cases. The faecalith was primarily found in the descending colon and was most often diagnosed in horses aged less than six months.
• For horses that revived from anesthesia, short-term survival to the point of hospital discharge was very high at 98% (55/56 cases).
• The most typical post-operative complications were diarrhea and loss of appetite.
• Out of eight miniature horses that required a second celiotomy (a surgical incision into the abdominal cavity), abdominal adhesions were discovered in two.
• Long-term follow-up data was gathered for 45 horses, out of which 87% (39/45) were alive at least 12 months following surgery.

Conclusions

This study highlighted that, as suggested in earlier research, faecalith obstruction is a common surgical complication in the miniature horse, especially in those aged less than six months. However, the incidence of abdominal adhesions may be less than what’s been previously reported. As such, the study provides critical insights into the surgical treatment of colic in miniature horses, the related complications, and survival rates post-surgery. The resultant data can have a significant impact on the improvement of surgical practices and post-operative care for these animals.