Circumferential mural bands in the small intestine causing simple obstructive colic: a case series

Abstract

Summary Reasons for performing study : Circumferential mural band (CMB) in the small intestine is an emerging condition in Ireland. The clinical presentation is a simple obstruction of the small intestine of unknown aetiology. Hypothesis : Horses affected with CMB in the small intestine have a good prognosis following surgical decompression into the caecum. Methods : A retrospective study was carried out and 28 cases identified from 559 colic surgeries performed over a 5.5 year period. An exploratory celiotomy was performed in every case. A simple obstruction at the mid or distal jejunum was identified caused by a CMB, which was multiple in some cases. All of the horses except 2 had undergone a regular anthelmintic programme. Results : Manual decompression of the small intestine into the caecum resulted in resolution of the simple jejunal obstruction. A constricted segment of small intestine was resected in one case, as the degree of constriction was severe. A full thickness biopsy was taken from another case. Histopathology was performed on both samples. All horses recovered from surgery and were discharged from the hospital 7–32 days post operatively. Short‐term complications were observed. Survival rate was 100% at long‐term follow‐up. Histopathology showed inflammatory infiltration in the submucosa, muscularis and serosa with eosinophils predominating. Parasites were not detected. Conclusion and potential relevance : Small intestine circumferential mural bands have a good prognosis after surgical decompression of the small intestine into the caecum.