Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2026
Surgical Closure of Equine Abdomen, Prevention, and Management of Incisional Complications
Published on: May 10, 2024
Large colon resection and anastomosis in horses: 52 cases (1996-2006)
N Driscoll1, P Baia, A T Fischer
1Chino Valley Equine Hospital, 2945 English Place, Chino Hills, CA 917109, USA.
Reasons For Performing Study:
Large colon resection and anastomosis (LCRA) is the most aggressive method of surgical management of a colon with questionable viability. Currently, published studies are comprised mostly of broodmares and discuss short-term survival.
Objectives:
To determine the prognosis for survival after LCRA in a diverse population of horses, report the incidence of post operative complications, and determine if associations between analysed variables and survival rate exist.
Methods:
The medical records of 52 horses that underwent LCRA were evaluated. Data were used to identify univariable associations with survival as well as complications related to LCRA. Chi-square, odds ratio with 95% confidence interval, Mann-Whitney or Kruskal-Wallis tests were used, with significance set at P<0.05.
Results:
Forty-four horses (84.6%) survived anaesthesia and recovery, 30 (57.7%) survived to be discharged from the hospital. Of the variables analysed, heart rate 24 h after recovery was significantly associated with mortality, as were endotoxaemia, ileus and peritonitis experienced post operatively.
Conclusions:
Heart rate 24 h after recovery may be a more reliable prognostic indicator than other analysed variables. Survival rate and complications after LCRA were similar to those previously reported.
