Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Hepatic lobe torsion as a cause of colic in a horse.
- Journal:
- Veterinary surgery : VS
- Year:
- 1993
- Authors:
- Turner, T A et al.
- Affiliation:
- Rochester Equine Clinic
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 14-year-old Arabian gelding was brought in because he was experiencing colic, which is a type of abdominal pain. The veterinarian performed surgery and discovered that the left part of his liver was twisted. They removed the twisted part and found signs of damage and infection in the liver tissue. After the surgery, the horse received antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, blood thinners, and fluids to help him recover. He healed well without any problems, although some liver enzyme levels stayed high for over a week after the operation. Seven months later, the horse was doing fine and showed no lasting issues from the condition.
Abstract
A 14-year-old Arabian gelding was examined for colic. An exploratory celiotomy was subsequently performed and the left lobe of the liver was found to be twisted. The lobe was resected using a TA-90 surgical stapling instrument. Histologic examination of the resected liver indicated portal vein and sinusoid dilation and congestion with blood. There were focal areas of necrosis and bacterial cocci and rods throughout the section. The histologic findings were consistent with hepatic lobe torsion. After surgery, the horse was treated with broad spectrum antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, heparin, and intravenous fluids. The horse recovered without complications, although serum liver enzymes remained elevated for more than 1 week after surgery. Seven months after surgery the horse showed no adverse affects from the disease.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8351814/