Caecal intussusception in the horse: Ultrasonographic findings and survival to hospital discharge of 60 cases (2009–2013). (30th August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Paulussen, E.; Broux, B.; van Bergen, T.; Lefère, L.; De Clercq, D.; van Loon, G.
• Is Part Of: Equine veterinary education. Volume 30:Number 5(2018)
• Page Start: 241
• Page End: 246
• Publication Date: 2017-08-30
• Subjects: horse -- colic -- caecocaecal -- caecocolic -- ultrasonography -- invagination; Horses -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Horses -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; 636.108905
• DOI: 10.1111/eve.12798
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0957-7734

Abstract

Summary: Diagnosis of caecal intussusception can be challenging. Transabdominal ultrasound is often used as a diagnostic tool in equine colic. Differentiation between caecocaecal and caecocolic intussusception might be useful in the decision process before surgery. The aims of this study were: 1) to assess the usefulness of ultrasound for diagnosis of intussusception and differentiation between caecocaecal and caecocolic intussusception; and 2) to determine survival to hospital discharge after surgery. Therefore, a retrospective case series (2009–2013) was performed of all colic cases with caecal intussusception (n = 60) confirmed at surgery or necropsy. In all horses, the intussusception could be visualised using ultrasound at admission. Caecocolic intussusception (n = 46) was much more common than caecocaecal (n = 14) intussusception and correct ultrasonographic differentiation between both types could be made in 92% of the cases. Ten horses (out of 14) diagnosed with caecocaecal intussusception underwent surgery, of which 8/10 (80%) were discharged, one horse (10%) was subjected to euthanasia during and one (10%) after surgery. Of the 28 (out of 46) operated horses with caecocolic intussusception, 17 (61%) survived to discharge, while 7 (25%) and 4 (14%) were subjected to euthanasia during and after surgery, respectively. Of all horses that underwent surgery, in 13/38 (34%) surgical reduction was possible, while 13/38 (34%) needed partial typhlectomy and 4/38 (11%) needed colostomy because of an irreducible intussusception. Survival to discharge after successful surgery was 12/13 (92%) when only reduction was performed, 11/13 (85%) if partial typhlectomy was needed and 2/4 (50%) after colostomy and partial typhlectomy. In conclusion, abdominal ultrasound is a useful tool in the diagnosis and differentiation of caecal intussusception. Survival to hospital discharge after successful surgery is good.