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Postcastration eventration in 18 horses: the prognostic indicators for long-term survival (1985-1995)
H L Thomas1, J F Zaruby, C L Smith
1Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Ontario.
The Canadian Veterinary Journal = La Revue Veterinaire Canadienne
|December 23, 1998
Summary
Post-castration eventration in horses poses significant risks, with inguinal surgical approaches and extensive bowel involvement negatively impacting long-term survival. Surgical correction outcomes for equine eventration require careful consideration of these factors.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Surgery
- Equine Medicine
- Surgical Complications
Background:
- Castration in horses is common but carries risks, notably eventration.
- Indirect inguinal eventration of the small intestine is a serious complication following equine castration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess long-term survival rates in horses treated surgically for post-castration eventration (PCE).
- To identify prognostic indicators influencing survival after surgical correction of PCE.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 18 horses with PCE (1985-1995).
- Telephone follow-up interviews conducted 2-13 years post-surgery.
- Cox proportional hazard regression analysis to identify survival predictors.
Main Results:
- An inguinal surgical approach, increased prolapsed bowel length, and bowel resection/anastomosis were linked to poorer survival.
- Postoperative complications occurred in 89% of cases; peritonitis was higher with inguinal approaches (44% vs. 10%).
- Overall hospital discharge was 72%, but only 40% for the inguinal group; long-term survival (>1 year) was 44%.
Conclusions:
- Surgical approach significantly impacts outcomes for equine post-castration eventration.
- Factors like prolapsed bowel length and need for resection/anastomosis are critical prognostic indicators.
- Midline surgical approaches may offer better survival and lower complication rates for equine eventration compared to inguinal approaches.