Use of ultrasonography to diagnose large colon volvulus in horses.

The research article investigates using ultrasound imaging to diagnose large colon volvulus, a severe intestinal condition, in horses. The results showed high accuracy in estimating the degree and location of the volvulus, proving the technique useful in early detection of the condition.

Methodology

• The study subjects were four horses exhibiting symptoms of abdominal pain.
• Initially, pain management was ensured by administering analgesic medications to the horses.
• The selected horses were being securely held in place in stocks to carry out this experiment.
• Ultrasonic scans were conducted using a 3.5-MHz sector scanning transducer. It was held parallel to the horse’s long axis for a longitudinal image.
• The scanning area on the horse was the left ventral portion of the abdomen, between specific anatomical landmarks to guide the examination.

Results

• The ultrasound imaging identified nonsacculated large colon in all of the horses, a key symptom of large colon volvulus (LCV).
• LCV was observed as the intestine’s unexpected rotation. In three horses, 180-degree rotation was spotted, while in one horse, a 540-degree rotation was detected.
• The research mentions that the severity and positioning of the volvulus were accurately predicted based on the ultrasound imaging results.
• This accuracy was confirmed via surgical or postmortem examinations.

Conclusions

• This study advocates for the use of ultrasonography as a valuable diagnostic tool for LCV in horses, irrespective of where in the large colon the rotation occurs.
• Further, it suggests that the ultrasound can help detect LCV at an early, treatable stage, specifically when other clinical indicators are not clear.