Transcutaneous Detection of Intramural Microchips for Tracking the Migration of the Equine Large Colon: A Pilot Study.
Authors: Steward Sara Kt, McKee Hannah M, Watson Allison M, Salman Mo D, Hassel Diana M
Journal: Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
Summary
# Editorial Summary Large colon displacement and volvulus represent significant surgical emergencies in equine practice, yet our understanding of how and why these conditions develop remains limited by the lack of reliable tracking methods. Researchers surgically implanted twelve bioinert microchips into the subserosal layer of the large colon and caecum in a single horse, then used a radio-frequency identification (RFID) scanner to detect their locations transcutaneously over a one-month period, with postmortem examination confirming implantation site integrity. Of the twelve microchips implanted, eleven were successfully detected through the body wall, with some achieving 100% detection rates during daily scanning sessions. This proof-of-concept work demonstrates that subserosal microchip implantation offers a feasible method for non-invasive monitoring of large colon position within the abdomen, potentially enabling future research into the pathophysiology of colonic displacement and volvulus. Whilst this pilot study involved a single animal, the technique could eventually support investigation of normal colonic motility patterns, predisposing factors for displacement, and evaluation of medical and surgical interventions—ultimately improving our ability to prevent, diagnose, and treat these life-threatening conditions in clinical practice.
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Practical Takeaways
- •This proof-of-concept technique could eventually enable real-time tracking of colon position in clinical cases, helping diagnose displacement and volvulus without repeated rectal exams
- •The high detection rate (91.7%) suggests subserosal microchip implantation is safe and reliable, potentially offering a future diagnostic tool for colic cases
- •Further research is needed to determine if this technology could be implemented clinically to improve outcomes for large colon displacement cases, which are a leading cause of equine colic surgery
Key Findings
- •11 of 12 subserosal microchips (91.7%) were successfully detected transcutaneously using RFID scanner
- •Detection success rate was as high as 100% for some microchips during the 1-month monitoring period
- •Microchips remained viable in subserosa with minimal migration detectable at postmortem examination
- •RFID transcutaneous identification is feasible for tracking equine large colon location non-invasively