Small intestinal volvulus in 115 horses: 1988-2000

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Equine Surgery
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Small intestinal (SI) volvulus is a critical condition in horses.
• Previous reports suggested younger horses are more affected by SI volvulus.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate historical data, signalment, clinical signs, laboratory results, treatment, and outcomes for horses diagnosed with small intestinal volvulus.
• To provide insights into the diagnosis and prognosis of equine SI volvulus.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of 115 client-owned horses diagnosed with SI volvulus over a 12-year period.
• Data collected included signalment, clinical signs, laboratory findings, surgical or necropsy results, and patient outcomes.
• Medical records were identified through computer search and manual review.

Main Results:

• The study population of horses with SI volvulus was older than previously reported, with 74% being 3 years or older.
• Clinical signs on admission varied, and rectal examination findings were not consistently indicative of distended small intestine (69%).
• Of 100 horses that underwent surgery, 84 recovered, and 67 survived to hospital discharge (80% survival rate among surgical survivors, 58% overall).
• Post-operative complications occurred in 48% of discharged horses, leading to longer hospital stays.

Conclusions:

• Equine small intestinal volvulus affects an older population than previously recognized.
• The prognosis for post-operative survival to hospital discharge is favorable (80%).
• Post-operative complications are common and impact recovery duration.