Cholelithiasis in four horses

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Equine Surgery
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Cholelithiasis is a rare condition in horses, characterized by the formation of gallstones within the biliary system.
• Recurrent abdominal pain is a common clinical sign that can indicate gastrointestinal or biliary issues in horses.

Observation:

• This study reviewed four cases of equine cholelithiasis.
• Two horses presented with recurrent colic, suggestive of biliary obstruction.
• Clinical data, physical examination, and history supported the suspicion of biliary obstruction in these cases.

Findings:

• B-mode ultrasonography was utilized in one case, successfully aiding in the diagnosis of cholelithiasis.
• The diagnosis in the ultrasonography-assisted case was confirmed post-mortem via necropsy.
• In two other horses, biliary calculi were discovered as incidental findings during necropsy, without prior clinical signs.

Implications:

• This case series highlights the importance of considering cholelithiasis in horses with recurrent abdominal pain.
• Diagnostic imaging, such as ultrasonography, can be a valuable tool for diagnosing equine cholelithiasis.
• The incidental finding of calculi in some cases suggests that not all equine gallstones cause clinical disease.