Chronic ileocecal intussusception in horses

Ten young horses with signs of simple partial obstruction of the small intestine were found upon surgical exploration of the abdomen to have chronic intussusception of the distal ileum into the cecum. Poor general physical condition, intermittent or continual abdominal pain of varying degree, depression, and poor appetite were consistent clinical findings. Rectal palpation in eight animals was suggestive of an incomplete or intermittent obstruction of the small intestine. Laboratory determinations were not helpful in making a diagnosis. Dilatation and hypertrophy of the distal jejunum and ileum were associated surgical findings indicating chronicity of the problem. Surgical correction utilizing an end-to-side or a side-to-side anastomosis of small intestine to cecum resulted in recovery in 7 of 8 cases which could be followed long term. Failure to resect the abnormal segment of small intestine did not affect the outcome.