Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Right dorsal displacement of the large colon as a cause of surgical colic in three foals in New Zealand.
- Journal:
- New Zealand veterinary journal
- Year:
- 2012
- Authors:
- Hennessy, S E & Fraser, B S L
- Affiliation:
- University of Melbourne · Australia
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
Over a three-year period in New Zealand, veterinarians performed surgeries on foals with a condition called right dorsal displacement of the large colon, which is a specific type of colic that doesn't respond to regular medical treatment. In total, this issue was found in three foals, with one needing surgery again seven weeks after the first operation. This condition is important to recognize because it can lead to serious complications if not treated quickly, even if the foal isn't showing severe pain. The findings suggest that this problem might be more common in that particular facility than previously thought. Overall, the treatment was necessary to address the colic effectively.
Abstract
CASE HISTORY: Over a 3-year period between July 2008 and July 2011, 10 exploratory laparotomies were performed on foals in a Waikato referral facility in New Zealand. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Right dorsal displacement of the large colon (RDDLC) was identified during four exploratory laparotomies in three foals that presented for mild-to-moderate colic that was non-responsive to medical management. One foal required a repeat laparotomy 7 weeks post initial surgery, and RDDLC was again diagnosed. DIAGNOSIS: Right dorsal displacement of the large colon in foals. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Further investigation may identify risk factors or management practices contributing to this condition. This is an important and uncommonly reported cause of surgical colic in foals, that is also important to consider in non-responsive medical colic cases that do not appear to be associated with severe pain, but may still require prompt surgical intervention to avoid a strangulating obstruction. The incidence of the condition in one Waikato referral facility appears higher than what could be expected based on the current literature.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22905692/