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Ileal impaction in the horse: 75 cases
A H Parks1, R E Doran, N A White
1Department of Large Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens 30602.
The Cornell Veterinarian
|January 1, 1989
Summary
This study on 75 horses found ileal impaction affects mares more and Arabians frequently. Surgical interventions like jejunocecostomy decreased survival rates in horses with ileal impaction.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Surgery
- Equine Internal Medicine
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Ileal impaction is a significant cause of colic in horses.
- Understanding risk factors and outcomes is crucial for treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To retrospectively analyze cases of ileal impaction in horses.
- To identify demographic predispositions, clinical findings, and surgical outcomes.
- To determine factors affecting survival rates in horses with ileal impaction.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 75 horses diagnosed with ileal impaction.
- Analysis of signalment, clinical signs, diagnostic findings, and surgical procedures.
- Comparison of variables between survivors and non-survivors.
Main Results:
- Mares and Arabian horses were over-represented.
- Abdominal pain (96%) and small intestinal distention (96%) were common.
- Exploratory celiotomy was performed in 69 horses.
- Survival rate was 36% (27/75 horses).
- Higher rectal temperature, plasma protein, and anion gap were associated with non-survival.
- Shorter duration of clinical signs correlated with better survival.
- Enterotomy, enterectomy, and jejunocecostomy negatively impacted survival.
Conclusions:
- Ileal impaction has specific demographic predispositions in horses.
- Surgical management, particularly extensive procedures, is associated with reduced survival.
- Early diagnosis and treatment may improve outcomes for horses with ileal impaction.