Equine Surgery Resident School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California - Davis
Reasons for performing the study: Fecaliths cause simple obstruction of the ascending or descending colon in equids, and are reported more frequently in Miniature horses, ponies, foals, and older horses. Studies in larger populations of equids are lacking. Hypothesis/objectives: To evaluate short term survival and prognostic factors following surgical treatment of fecalith intestinal obstruction in equids. Methods: Medical records of equids undergoing surgery for fecalith obstruction from 2000-2020 were reviewed. Diagnosis was confirmed by exploratory celiotomy. Signalment, history, presenting clinicopathological data, surgical findings, complications, and short-term survival, were evaluated. Results: Sixty-four females, 52 geldings and 31 intact males were included. Three equids presented twice. Miniature horses and ponies represented 47% (n=71) of the presenting cases and full-sized breeds in 53% (n=79). One hundred and thirty eight equids (92%) survived to discharge, 6% (n=9) were euthanized intraoperatively, and 2% (n=3) were euthanized during hospitalization. Non-survivors showed more severe colic signs on admission (p=0.04), tachycardia on admission (p=0.04) and hyperlipemia (p=0.007). Equids with postoperative colic and complications were less likely to survive (p=0.008 and 0.002 respectively).
Discussion: Miniature horses and ponies areoverrepresented compared to the colic population; however, full-sized breeds are also at risk. Surgical treatment has an excellent short-term prognosis. Severe colic signs, tachycardia, hyperlipemia, postoperative colic, and surgical complications negatively affect short-term survival. Main study limitations: Retrospective design. Scientific or clinical relevance: Miniature horses and ponies are predisposed to fecalith obstruction, representing an important, potentially preventable, cause of colic in these equids.
