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Caecal impactions managed surgically by typhlotomy in 10 cases (1988-1998)
1Peterson and Smith Equine Hospital, 4747 SW 60th Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34476, USA.
Equine Veterinary Journal. Supplement
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Typhlotomy is an effective surgical option for managing first-time equine caecal impactions, particularly when the caecum is dysfunctional. This technique offers a viable alternative to bypass procedures, with good long-term survival rates observed in treated horses.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Surgery
- Equine Medicine
- Gastrointestinal Surgery
Background:
- Surgical interventions for equine caecal impaction have evolved, with ileocolic or jejunocolic anastomosis for complete caecal bypass being common for initial impactions, especially with suspected dysfunction.
- Alternative surgical approaches are continually explored to optimize outcomes in equine gastrointestinal disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of typhlotomy alone as a surgical management strategy for first-time equine caecal impactions.
- To assess the long-term survival rates and identify potential complications associated with typhlotomy in affected horses.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case review of 10 horses undergoing surgical management for caecal impaction between July 1988 and June 1998.
- Nine of the 10 horses presented with first-time caecal impactions and were treated exclusively with typhlotomy.
- All horses were assessed for caecal dysfunction at the time of surgery and received standard postoperative care, including anthelmintics.
Main Results:
- Nine horses treated with typhlotomy for first-time caecal impactions survived, with an average follow-up of 43 months.
- All surgical cases were considered to have a dysfunctional caecum at the time of operation.
- Recovery of Anoplocephala perfoliata necessitated the use of anthelmintics in several cases.
Conclusions:
- Typhlotomy is a viable and acceptable surgical technique for the management of first-time equine caecal impactions, even in cases of suspected caecal dysfunction.
- Routine postoperative care, including the administration of pyrantel pamoate and larvicidal anthelmintics, is recommended to address potential parasite-related complications.