Large colon resection and anastomosis in horses: 52 cases (1996-2006).
Authors: Driscoll N, Baia P, Fischer A T, Brauer T, Klohnen A
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Large Colon Resection and Anastomosis in Horses Surgical resection of the large colon represents the final option when equine practitioners encounter severely compromised bowel that cannot be salvaged through conservative management, yet published evidence has historically been limited to small populations, predominantly broodmares, with limited long-term follow-up data. This retrospective analysis examined 52 horses of varied use and demographics undergoing large colon resection and anastomosis between 1996 and 2006, with researchers employing statistical modelling to identify associations between pre- and post-operative variables and survival outcomes. Whilst 84.6% of horses survived the perioperative period, only 57.7% were discharged from hospital, and elevated heart rate at 24 hours post-recovery emerged as the most reliable prognostic indicator of mortality; endotoxaemia, post-operative ileus, and peritonitis also correlated significantly with poor outcomes. These findings provide clinicians with a more realistic survival expectation across diverse patient populations rather than relying on older studies skewed towards breeding animals, and suggest that close monitoring of cardiovascular stability in the immediate post-operative period—rather than other commonly assessed parameters—offers the most actionable prognostic information for client counselling and clinical decision-making.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Large colon resection and anastomosis can be considered in horses with compromised colon viability, with a reasonable expectation of ~58% survival to discharge in a mixed population
- •Monitor heart rate closely at 24 hours post-recovery as a key prognostic indicator; elevated rates suggest increased mortality risk
- •Be prepared to manage post-operative endotoxaemia, ileus, and peritonitis aggressively, as these complications significantly impact survival outcomes
Key Findings
- •84.6% of horses survived anaesthesia and recovery, with 57.7% discharged from hospital
- •Heart rate 24 hours post-recovery was significantly associated with mortality (P<0.05)
- •Endotoxaemia, ileus, and peritonitis were significant post-operative complications associated with mortality
- •Survival rates and complication profiles were comparable to previously published studies