Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Current treatment of ascending colon volvulus in horses: a survey of ACVS Diplomates.
- Journal:
- Veterinary surgery : VS
- Year:
- 2015
- Authors:
- Fiege, Jamie K et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Sciences · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A recent survey looked at how veterinarians who specialize in horse surgery treat a serious condition called ascending colon volvulus, which is when part of the horse's intestine twists. Out of 162 veterinarians who responded, they found that about 20 horses a year are treated for this issue, and the most common treatment is to untwist the intestine, sometimes with an additional procedure. The estimated survival rate for these horses after surgery is around 70%, and the veterinarians agreed that getting the horse to surgery quickly is crucial for a better chance of survival. Overall, the findings suggest that early surgical intervention can lead to good outcomes for horses with this condition.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To report the results of a survey of opinions on current treatments and estimated outcomes of ascending colon volvulus in horses. STUDY DESIGN: Web-based survey. SAMPLE POPULATION: American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) Diplomates (n = 151) who perform gastrointestinal surgery in horses. METHODS: ACVS Diplomates with credentials in the large animal specialty obtained by examination in 2010 or earlier (n = 410) were solicited by e-mail to complete a web-based survey designed to determine ascending colon volvulus treatment preferences and outcomes. RESULTS: Responses were obtained from 162 ACVS Diplomates, of which 151 currently performed gastrointestinal surgery in horses. Horses surgically treated with ascending colon volvulus accounted for ≤ 20 cases/year and primary treatment was most often anatomic reduction with or without pelvic flexure enterotomy. Median estimated survival rate was 70% and surgical treatments were not associated with estimated survival (P = .27). Diplomates identified early surgical correction as the single most important factor impacting survival of horses surgically treated for ascending colon volvulus. CONCLUSIONS: Reported survival rates for horses with ascending colon volvulus were good. Respondents indicated this might be due in part to early surgical treatment. Survey investigations can provide preliminary data for future prospective studies and facilitate a consensus among Diplomates in treatment of surgical disease.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24724874/