Surgical treatment of sand colic. Results in 40 horses.

The research pertains to a retrospective study examining the outcomes of 40 horses who underwent surgical treatment for sand colic. The study finds that out of these, 24 horses survived for at least twelve months post-surgery.

Objective and Methodology

• This research is a retrospective study aiming to examine the results of surgical intervention in horses suffering from sand colic.
• As a part of the study, 40 horses that underwent surgical treatment for sand colic were assessed to evaluate the success of the treatment.

Findings and Results

• Out of the 40 horses, three were euthanatized, and one died during the surgery.
• Among the 36 horses that recovered from anesthesia, five didn’t survive until discharge from the hospital, while seven horses died after being discharged.
• Out of all the horses, 24 survived for at least a year following the surgical treatment, contributing to a survival rate of 60%.

Additional Observations

• It was discovered that among the 40 horses, sand impaction, a common cause of sand colic, was found in the right dorsal colon of 26 horses.
• In addition to sand impaction, 10 horses exhibited colonic displacement or volvulus – conditions where the colon shifts from its normal position or twists around itself, respectively.

Implications

• This study provides an insight into the survival rate of horses with sand colic undergoing surgical treatment. The findings can be useful for veterinarians and horse-care professionals to make informed decisions about treatments.
• This research also points out the common presence of sand impaction in the right dorsal colon and the incidence of colonic displacement or volvulus, highlighting the need for further study on these complications associated with sand colic.