Effect of a ventral midline colopexy on large colon volvulus recurrence and days to next live foal in Thoroughbred broodmares.

Authors: Warren Alexandra S, Werner Laura A, Thombs Lori A, Rodgerson Dwayne H, Spirito Michael A, Sandow Cole B, McCracken Megan J

Journal: Veterinary surgery : VS

DOI: 10.1111/vsu.14269 PubMed: 40331657Log in to save

Summary

# Ventral Midline Colopexy in Thoroughbred Broodmares: Reducing Large Colon Volvulus Recurrence Large colon volvulus (LCV) is a life-threatening surgical colic in horses, yet recurrence rates remain problematic—particularly in breeding stock where future fertility must be considered. This retrospective study of 188 Thoroughbred broodmares treated surgically for LCV between 2016 and 2020 examined whether ventral midline colopexy (a preventative stabilisation procedure) reduced recurrence and colic re-presentation, whilst assessing any impact on subsequent foaling. Mares receiving colopexy at initial LCV surgery showed substantially lower odds of re-presenting for colic (OR 3.13) and recurrent LCV (OR 9.74) compared to those managed without the procedure; when second surgery became necessary, the protective effect strengthened further (OR 7.0 for colic re-presentation, OR 14.0 for LCV recurrence). Critically, days to next live foal did not differ significantly between colopexy and non-colopexy groups, indicating the procedure does not compromise breeding soundness. These findings provide evidence-based support for routinely offering ventral midline colopexy to broodmares undergoing LCV surgery, substantially reducing the risk of repeat catastrophic colic episodes whilst preserving reproductive outcomes.

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Practical Takeaways

•Performing ventral midline colopexy during initial LCV surgery substantially reduces the risk of repeat LCV and recurrent colic episodes in breeding mares
•If a mare requires second surgery for LCV, performing colopexy at that point also provides significant protection against further recurrence
•Colopexy does not compromise foaling success, making it a safe preventive procedure for valuable broodmares with LCV

Key Findings

•Ventral midline colopexy reduced the odds of re-presenting for colic by 68% (OR 3.13) compared to no colopexy at initial surgery
•Colopexy reduced odds of recurrent LCV by 90% (OR 9.74) at initial surgery and by 93% (OR 14.0) at subsequent surgery
•Time to next live foal was not significantly different between mares that received colopexy versus those that did not
•Post-colopexy mares re-presenting for LCV had 7-fold higher risk of colic recurrence if no colopexy was performed at the second surgery

Conditions Studied

large colon volvulus (lcv)coliclarge colon compromise

Related References

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