Technique-associated outcomes in horses following large colon resection

Epidemiology of Colic: Current Knowledge and Future Directions

Epidemiologic studies are essential for the generation of evidence-based, preventive health care strategies. This includes ways to minimize colic risk and assist informed decision making concerning diagnosis, treatment, and likely outcomes. It is important to consider that colic is not a simple "disease" but is a syndrome of abdominal pain that encompasses multiple different disease processes, and which is multifactorial in nature. This review focuses on prevention and diagnosis of colic, including specific forms of colic, communications with owners/carers concerning colic risk and management, and areas of future research.

Colic Surgery: Recent Updates

The following article provides an overview of the last 5 years of research and innovation within the field of equine colic surgery, focusing on new techniques, new or recently described lesions, prevention of lesion recurrence or postoperative complications, and updates in prognoses. Early surgical intervention is an important factor in horse survival.

Nephrosplenic space closure significantly decreases recurrent colic in horses: a retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND

Nephrosplenic space closure is commonly used to reduce relapse of nephrosplenic space entrapment in cases of left dorsal displacement of the left colon (LDDLC). Nevertheless, studies documenting the effectiveness of this surgery are sparse in the literature. The aim of this study was to analyse clinical data of horses presented for LDDLC and evaluate the effect of nephrosplenic space closure on the incidence of colic recurrence.

METHODS

Medical records of 156 horses diagnosed with LDDLC at the Equine Clinic of the University of Liège between 2004 and 2016 were retrieved for analysis. Extracted data included horse breed, sex, age and weight, initial treatment, and if a subsequent preventive surgical closure of the nephrosplenic space was carried out or not. Follow-up information was obtained by telephone interview. Statistical analyses were performed using a chi-squared test with significance set at P<0.05.

RESULTS

Follow-up data were available for 65 per cent of horses. The mean follow-up was 35 months. There was a significant decrease in the total incidence of colic after closure surgery compared with non-operated horses. No horse was diagnosed with LDDLC after closure of the nephrosplenic space.

CONCLUSION

Closure of the nephrosplenic space significantly decreases recurrent colic in horses compared with non-operated horses.

Exploratory Celiotomy in the Horse Secondary to Acute Colic: A Review of Indications and Success Rates

To review indications and risk factors for exploratory celiotomy secondary to acute colic in the horse; decision making for and during surgery; and prognosis for return to function after exploratory celiotomy for the practicing veterinarian. Data sources included scientific reviews and original research publications from veterinary sources, as well as clinical data specifically in regard to underlying disease and survival rates from a tertiary referral hospital where exploratory celiotomy is commonly performed. There is a high positive predictive value of specific clinical preoperative parameters of the equine acute abdomen, many of which rely on techniques available to field practitioners, relative to the need for surgical intervention. Decision making regarding surgical procedure or even intraoperative euthanasia depends on owner expectations. Survival rates following exploratory celiotomy range from fair to excellent (60%-100%) depending on underlying lesion and return to athleticism following celiotomy is good to excellent (76%-90%). A knowledge base of indications for and rates of survival from colic requiring exploratory celiotomy in the horse is of paramount importance to the equine practitioner. Preconceived notions of poor survival rates are rampant among horse owners, and owners rely on their primary veterinarian's advice for continuation to referral center and in further treatment including exploratory celiotomy.