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OBJECTIVE To determine the degree of histomorphometric damage in dorsal colon and pelvic flexure biopsy specimens (DCBSs and PFBSs, respectively) obtained from horses with large colon volvulus (LCV) and assess the accuracy of predicting short-term outcome for those horses on the basis of DCBS or PFBS characteristics. ANIMALS 18 horses with ≥ 360° LCV that underwent large colon resection. PROCEDURES During surgery, biopsy specimens from the dorsal colon resection site and the pelvic flexure (when available) were collected from each horse. Interstitial-to-crypt (I:C) ratio (ratio of the lamina propria space occupied by the interstitium to that occupied by crypts), hemorrhage within the lamina propria (mucosal hemorrhage score [MHS] from 0 to 4), and percentage losses of glandular and luminal epithelium were determined in paired biopsy specimens and compared to determine optimal cutoff values for calculating the accuracy of DCBS and PFBS characteristics to predict short-term outcome (survival or nonsurvival after recovery from surgery). RESULTS Paired biopsy specimens were obtained from 17 of the 18 horses. The I:C ratio and percentage glandular epithelial loss differed between DCBSs and PFBSs. For DCBSs, an I:C ratio ≥ 0.9 and MHS ≥ 3 each predicted patient nonsurvival with 77.8% accuracy. For PFBSs, an I:C ratio ≥ I and MHS ≥ 3 predicted patient nonsurvival with 70.6% and 82.4% accuracy, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Although different, histomorphometric measurements for either DCBSs or PFBSs could be used to accurately predict short-term outcome for horses with LCV that underwent large colon resection, and arguably PFBSs are easier to collect.

Objective To determine the prognostic value of (1) colonic venous lactate or peripheral lactate values obtained before and after manual correction of a large colon volvulus and (2) a combination of variables including pelvic flexure biopsy. Study design Prospective clinical study. Animals Forty adult horses in which large colon volvulus was diagnosed intraoperatively. Methods Colonic venous, peripheral venous, and arterial blood samples were collected to measure lactate values before and after manual correction. Mucosal biopsy samples were obtained in cases that underwent enterotomy or colonic resection and anastomosis. Interstitium to crypt (I:C) ratio and hemorrhage scores were measured. Optimal cutoff values were determined by receiver operator curve analysis, and associations between variables and short-term outcome were determined by univariable regression. Short-term survival was defined as horses being discharged from the hospital. P ≤ .05 was considered significant. Results No association was found between colonic venous lactate values before (P = .011) or after (P = .201) manual correction of large colon volvulus and determination of short-term outcome. Peripheral venous lactate at admission ≥3.2 mmol/L and after manual correction ≥5 mmol/L, arterial lactate postmanual correction ≥3.53 mmol/L, and histomorphometric measurements of mucosal hemorrhage ≥3 and I:C ratio > 1 were associated with poor short-term outcome. Conclusion Peripheral lactate values, histomorphometric measures of I:C ratio, and hemorrhage score provided prognostic information that could help guide recommendations made to owners. Clinical significance Peripheral lactate values after manual correction provide important intraoperative diagnostic information to assist in predicting case outcome in the operative and immediately postoperative period.

Large colon volvulus in horses is associated with a poor prognosis, especially when ischemic-reperfusion injury of the affected intestinal tract develops. Proteinase-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution and expression of PAR2in colonic pelvic flexure of horses spontaneously affected by large colon volvulus (CVH group). Eight horses admitted for severe abdominal colon volvolus and which underwent surgery were included. Colon samples were collected after enterotomy. Data previously obtained from healthy horses were used as a control group. Histologic evaluation was carried out to grade the severity of the colon lesions. Immunofluorescence, western blot and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were carried out on colon samples to evaluate PAR2expression. In addition, the transcriptional profile of cytokines and chemokines was evaluated using RT2Profiler™ PCR Array Horse Cytokines & Chemokines. Three out of the eight patients were euthanised due to clinical deterioration. Immunostaining for PAR2was observed in the enterocytes, intestinal glands and neurons of the submucosal and myenteric plexi. In the CVH horses, the expression of PAR2mesenger RNA (mRNA) did not differ significantly from that of the healthy animals; western blots of the mucosa of the colon tracts showed a clear band of the expected molecular weight for PAR2(~44 kDa) and a band smaller than the expected molecular weight for PAR2(25kDa), suggesting its activation. The gene expressions for C-X-C motif ligand 1 (CXCL1); interleukin 8 (IL8), macrophage inflammatory protein 2 beta (MIP-2BETA) were upregulated in the colic horses as compared with the colons of the healthy horses. Therefore, in the present study, the expression and activation of PAR2in the colons of horses in the presence of an inflammatory reaction like that occurring in those with spontaneous colon volvulus was confirmed.

Simple Summary Acute diarrhea (colitis) is a major problem in adult horses and the role of the intestinal bacteria (microbiota) is still poorly understood in this species. The aim of this study was to compare the mucosal and luminal content microbiota of the cecum and colon of healthy and diarrheic horses. We concluded that microbial dysbiosis (changes in the normal microbiota composition) occurs in horses with colitis at different levels of the intestinal tract and microbiota composition is different between the mucosa and luminal content of diarrheic horses. Changes in species associated with dysbiosis could be used in the future for disease diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of equine colitis. Abstract The aim of this study was to compare the mucosal and luminal content microbiota of the cecum and colon of healthy and diarrheic horses. Marked differences in the richness and in the community composition between the mucosal and luminal microbiota of the cecum and large colon of horses with colitis were observed. Microbial dysbiosis occurs in horses with colitis at different levels of the intestinal tract, and microbiota composition is different between the mucosa and luminal content of diarrheic horses. The changes in some key taxa associated with dysbiosis in the equine intestinal microbiota, such as Escherichia, Fusobacterium and Lactobacillus, deserve further inquiry in order to determine their utility for disease diagnosis and treatment.

Identifying therapies that mitigate ischemic colonic injury and improve mucosal healing and intestinal viability are crucial to improving survival in horses with ≥360° large colon volvulus (LCV). Ethyl pyruvate is the ethyl ester of pyruvate with diverse pharmacologic effects that limit ischemic injury and hasten intestinal mucosal repair in preclinical rodents, sheep and swine models. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of ethyl pyruvate on systemic indices of colon viability, expression of inflammatory genes in whole blood, morbidity and survival after surgical correction of LCV compared to controls. Horses received either 150 mg/kg ethyl pyruvate in 1 liter lactated Ringer's solution (LRS) or 1 liter LRS intravenously (IV) every 6 h for 24 h following surgical recovery for correction of LCV. Colic duration, perioperative heart rate (HR), packed cell volume (PCV), total solids (TS), blood L-lactate concentration, surgical time, intraoperative episodes of hypoxemia and hypotension, expression of inflammatory cytokine genes, fecal consistency and survival to hospital discharge were compared between ethyl pyruvate treated horses and controls. Twenty-two horses, 12 receiving ethyl pyruvate and 10 controls, were enrolled in the study. Ethyl pyruvate was safely administered to horses following surgical correction of LCV. No significant effects of ethyl pyruvate on post-operative variables, including survival, were found. Seven of 12 ethyl pyruvate treated horses and 5/10 controls survived to hospital discharge. Higher HR, PCV and blood L-lactate concentration at the time of hospital admission, P = 0.005, 0.01, 0.04, respectively, 24 h after surgery, P = 0.001, 0.03, 0.02, respectively, were associated with death. Heart rate, P = 0.005, 48 h after surgery was associated with death. Ethyl pyruvate was safely administered to horses following correction of LCV with no apparent adverse events but was not associated with improved post-operative outcomes including survival. A larger, randomized control trial is needed to fully evaluate the effectiveness of ethyl pyruvate. A major limitation of this investigation is the small sample size, making the study underpowered and creating a high possibility of type II error.

Enteropathy associated with sand accumulation in the large colon of horses has been reported worldwide. Intestinal sand accumulations are commonly treated medically, but randomised controlled clinical trials on horses are scarce. This prospective study evaluated the efficacy of an enterally administered combination of psyllium and magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) for the removal of large colonic sand accumulations in horses without clinical signs of acute colic. The two groups comprised 20 untreated control horses and 20 horses treated with 1 g/kg bodyweight (bwt) of psyllium and 1 g/kg bwt of MgSO4 administered by nasogastric intubation once daily for 4 days. Both groups had no access to soil during the study period. The amounts of accumulated sand were evaluated radiographically before and after treatment. Significantly more treated horses cleared their sand accumulations than horses in the control group. This clearance was determined by observing the estimated quantity by area of sand remaining in the large colon (P < 0.001) and by comparing the numbers of successfully treated horses (P = 0.004) between the two groups after 4 days of treatment. However, there were unexplained individual variations in the clearance of sand accumulation.

Objective To compare a 2-layer closure with suture line reversal for a pelvic flexure enterotomy to 1-layer and traditional 2-layer hand sewn closures. Study design Ex vivo, simple randomized study. Sample population Large colon segments from adult horses (n = 18). Methods Pelvic flexures were harvested from 18 horses and randomly assigned to 1 of 3 closure techniques (n = 6 per technique). A 10-cm enterotomy was made in each pelvic flexure and closed with the assigned technique. Closure time, luminal diameter via contrast radiographs, and bursting pressure were recorded for each specimen and compared between techniques using 1-way ANOVA with Duncan post hoc test at P

Equine colic is one of the most common cause of death in horses, but few studies have investigated specifically the conditions at the necropsy. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological and pathological features of noninfectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in horses. A retrospective study was conducted in search of cases of these diseases affecting horses from 2005 to 2017. During this period, 114 horses died of noninfectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, and the main causes were: primary gastric dilation (27/114), volvulus (27/114), enterolithiasis (20/114), rectal (colonic) perforation (15/114), gastric or cecocolonic impaction (10/114), incarcerations (6/114), intussusception (4/114), and others (5/114). Mixed breeds horses (56/114) and males (69/114) were mostly affected. The horses had a median and mean age of 10 and 10.9-years old, respectively. Primary gastric dilation was characterized by distension of the stomach by moderate to large amounts of content, which in 21 cases caused tearing of the stomach wall at the greater curvature (peritonitis), and the main predisposing factor was alimentary overload (17/27). Intestinal volvulus occurred within the small intestine (14 cases) and within the large intestines (13 cases). Grossly, there was intestinal ischemia with reddened to deep-black serosa and diffusely red mucosae. Enterolithiasis caused partial or complete obstruction of the right dorsal colon (9/20), transverse colon (4/20), small colon and right dorsal colon (3/20), rectum and right dorsal colon (2/20), and small colon (2/20). Viscera perforation and peritonitis occurred in 11 cases. Rectal (colonic) perforation involved the rectum (10/15), rectum/small colon (4/15), and the small colon (1/15). It was characterized by a focally extensive transmural tearing, associated with reddened borders, and retroperitoneal to diffuse peritonitis. Palpation related iatrogenic injuries (11/15) were the main cause. Impactions affected the large colon (7/10), the cecum (2/10), and the stomach (1/10). Incarcerations consisted of inguinoscrotal hernias (2/6), small intestine entrapment by a mesenteric failure (2/6), diaphragmatic hernia, and umbilical eventration. Grossly, the organs were constricted by a hernial ring, with intestinal ischemia and reddened to dark-red serosa. Predisposing factors included previous surgeries (2/6) and patent inguinal ring (1/6). Intussusception involved the small intestine (3/4) and ileocecum (1/4). Foals with lack of colostrum intake and concomitant pneumonia was a characteristic presentation (3/4). Grossly, the intussusceptum slipped into intussuscipiens, with diffuse deep black-red discoloration. Other causes included large colon displacement (2/5), extrinsic and intrinsic obstruction of the small intestine (2/5), and an intestinal adenocarcinoma. Noninfectious gastrointestinal diseases are major causes of death in horses. Epidemiological and gross features of the conditions should be accounted to obtain a final diagnosis of the cause of the colic. RESUMO: A cólica em equinos é considerada como a principal causa de morte de cavalos, porém poucos estudos têm investigado especificamente as condições envolvidas através da necropsia. O objetivo desse estudo foi descrever os aspectos epidemiológicos e patológicos de doenças não infecciosas do trato gastrointestinal de equinos. Foi conduzido um estudo retrospectivo em busca de casos dessas doenças envolvendo cavalos de 2005 a 2017. Durante esse período, 114 equinos morreram devido a doenças não infecciosas do trato gastrointestinal, e as principais causas foram: dilatação gástrica (27/114), vólvulos (27/114), enterolitíase (20/114), ruptura retal (colônica) (15/114), compactação gástrica ou cecocolônica (10/114), encarceramentos (6/114), intussuscepções (4/114), e outros (5/114). Animais sem raça definida (56/114) e machos (69/114) foram mais afetados. Os equinos apresentavam uma média e mediana de idade de 10 e 10,9 anos, respectivamente. A dilatação gástrica primária era caracterizada por distensão do estômago por moderada a grande quantidade de conteúdo, que em 21 casos provocava ruptura da parede gástrica na curvatura maior (peritonite), e o principal fator predisponente foi sobrecarga alimentar (17/27). Vólvulo intestinal ocorreu no intestino delgado e no intestino grosso (14 e 13 casos, respectivamente). Macroscopicamente, havia isquemia intestinal com serosa avermelhada a enegrecida e mucosa difusamente avermelhada. A enterolitíase causou obstrução parcial ou completa do cólon dorsal direito (9/20), cólon transverso (4/20), cólon menor e cólon dorsal direito (3/20), cólon menor (2/20), e reto e cólon maior direito (2/20). Perfuração de vísceras e peritonite foram observadas em 11 casos. A ruptura retal (colônica) envolveu o reto (10/15), reto/cólon menor (4/15) e cólon menor (1/15). Essa era caracterizada por ruptura transmural focalmente extensa, com bordos avermelhados e peritonite retroperitoneal a difusa. Traumas relacionados à palpação (11/15) foram a principal causa. Compactações afetaram o cólon maior (7/10), ceco (2/10) e estômago (1/10). Encarceramentos consistiram em hérnias inguinoescrotais (2/6), encarceramento de alças intestinais por falha no mesentério (2/6), hérnia diafragmática e eventração umbilical. Macroscopicamente, os órgãos estavam constritos por um anel hernial, com isquemia intestinal e serosa avermelhada a vermelho-escura. Fatores predisponentes incluíram cirurgias prévias (2/6) e anel inguinal patente (1/6). Intussuscepções envolveram o intestino delgado (3/4) e íleoceco (1/4). A apresentação característica foi em potros com falta de colostro e concomitante pneumonia. Macroscopicamente, o intussuscepto deslizava em direção ao intussuscepiente, exibindo coloração vermelho-enegrecida difusa. Outras causas incluíram deslocamento de cólon maior (2/5), obstrução extrínseca e intrínseca do intestino delgado (2/5), e um caso de adenocarcinoma intestinal. Doenças não infecciosas são importantes causas de morte em equinos. Os aspectos epidemiológicos e macroscópicos das condições devem ser considerados para o que o diagnóstico final da causa da cólica seja obtido.

Background Horses that undergo surgery for treatment of primary large colon disease have been reported to be at increased risk of developing recurrent colic episodes postoperatively. The reasons for this are currently unknown. The aim of the current study was to characterise the faecal microbiota of horses with colic signs associated with primary large colon lesions treated surgically and to compare the composition of their faecal microbiota to that of a control group of horses undergoing emergency orthopaedic treatment. Faecal samples were collected from horses in both groups on admission to hospital, during hospitalisation and following discharge from hospital for a total duration of 12 weeks. Additionally, colonic content samples were collected from surgical colic patients if pelvic flexure enterotomy was performed during laparotomy. A total of 12 samples were collected per horse. DNA was extracted from samples using a commercial kit. Amplicon mixtures were created by PCR amplification of the V1 – V2 regions of the bacterial 16S rRNA genes and submitted for sequencing using the Ion Torrent PGM next-generation sequencing system. Multivariate data analysis was used to characterise the faecal microbiota and to investigate differences between groups. Results Reduced species richness was evident in the colonic samples of the colic group compared to concurrent sampling of the faeces. Alpha and beta diversity differed significantly between the faecal and colonic microbiota with 304 significantly differentially abundant OTUs identified. Only 46 OTUs varied significantly between the colic and control group. There were no significant differences in alpha and beta diversity of faecal microbiota between colic and control horses at admission. However, this lack of significant differences between groups should be interpreted with caution due to a small sample size. Conclusions The results of the current study suggest that faecal samples collected at hospital admission in colic cases may not accurately represent changes in upper gut microbiota in horses with colic due to large colon disease.

CASE REPORT A newborn foal was referred for evaluation because it had not passed meconium, despite the administration of four enemas. Abdominal radiographs and ultrasound scans showed generalised gaseous distension of the intestine and there was no observable meconium in the colon. Positive contrast colography showed contrast medium extending to the transverse colon. An exploratory laparotomy confirmed the absence of the left and right dorsal colon and the pelvic and diaphragmatic flexures. An end-to-side anastomosis of the left ventral colon to the midpoint of the small colon was performed. The foal recovered from anaesthesia and surgery uneventfully and immediately began suckling from the mare, with no signs of abdominal pain in the postoperative period. The foal began to pass soft faeces 3 days after surgery and at 6 months after surgery the foal was clinically normal and growing at a similar rate to its cohort. CONCLUSION Intestinal atresia is a rare condition in foals, but should be considered as a differential diagnosis in foals that fail to pass meconium. Early recognition and surgical intervention can offer an improved chance of short-term survival in cases where there is adequate intestine to anastomose. An end-to-side anastomosis technique can be used where an end-to-end technique is not practical because of the difference in diameter of the proximal and distal intestinal segments.

Background Ultrasonographic visualisation of the mesenteric vasculature of the large colon (LC) from the right side of the abdomen in cases of displacement and volvulus has been described. However, the LC can move freely within the abdomen and its mesentery can potentially contact both sides of the abdominal wall. Methods Thirty-four horses presented with LC-related colic that had visible LC mesenteric vasculature visible on abdominal ultrasound were included. A control group was made including horses with confirmed small intestinal-related colic. The objective of this study was to evaluate the visibility of LC mesenteric vasculature with transabdominal ultrasonography in horses with LC-related colic and to determine its diagnostic value. Results The LC mesenteric vasculature was identified on the right side of the abdomen in 16/34 horses with right dorsal displacement of the LC (RDDLC), 180° LC volvulus (LCV), 540° LCV or LC impaction. On the left side of the abdomen, LC mesenteric vessels were identified in 17/34 horses with left dorsal displacement of the LC (LDDLC), 180° LCV or RDDLC. Vessels were visualised on both sides in one horse with a 180° LCV. Presence of LC mesenteric vasculature in the dorsal aspect on the left side of the abdomen was significantly associated with LDDLC. Conclusion LC mesenteric vasculature can be visualised on transabdominal ultrasound from either side of the abdomen in horses with different forms of LC-related colic.

Objective To compare survival and complications in horses undergoing large colon resection with either sutured end-to-end or stapled functional end-to-end anastomoses. Study design Retrospective cohort study. Animals Twenty-six client-owned horses with gastrointestinal disease. Methods Retrospective data were retrieved from the medical records of 26 horses undergoing colectomy, including 14 horses with sutured end-to-end and 12 horses with stapled functional end-to-end anastomoses, between 2003 and 2016. Records were evaluated for signalment, medical and surgical treatments, and survival to hospital discharge. Long-term follow-up was obtained through owner contact. Continuous variables were compared with Mann-Whitney tests. Fisher's exact testing was used to compare survival to hospital discharge. Survival time was compared by constructing Kaplan-Meier survival curves and performing log-rank curve comparison testing. Results Mean age of horses undergoing colectomy was 13 years. Reason for colectomy was prophylaxis (12) or salvage (14). Mean surgical time was 169 minutes. Mean hospitalization time was 9 days, which did not differ with anastomosis type (P = .62). Nine of 12 horses undergoing stapled functional end-to-end anastomosis and 12 of 14 horses undergoing sutured end-to-end anastomosis survived to hospital discharge (P = .63). Survival time did not differ with anastomosis technique (P = .35). Conclusion Short- and long-term survival outcomes are not different between sutured end-to-end or stapled functional end-to-end anastomoses in horses undergoing colectomy.

Prospective studies documenting the efficacy and side effects of medical treatment for colonic sand accumulation in horses are limited. The purpose of the study was to compare the effect of enteral administration of magnesium sulphate (MgSO 4 ), psyllium mucilloid (psyllium), and a combination of MgSO 4 and psyllium on the evacuation of large accumulations of sand in the large colon of adult horses. Thirty-four horses with naturally acquired, large sand accumulations (>5 cm × 15 cm) identified on abdominal radiography were randomly allocated to one of three treatment groups: (1) 1 g/kg psyllium ( n = 12); (2) 1 g/kg MgSO 4 ( n = 10), or (3) their combination ( n = 12). Treatments were administered once a day via nasogastric intubation and continued for a total of 4 days. Lateral radiographs of the ventral abdomen were repeated on day 4 of treatment. If the area of sand in the radiographic image was 2 on day 4, the sand accumulation was considered resolved. Of 12 horses treated with a combination of psyllium and MgSO 4 , nine evacuated the sand from the ventral colon within 4 days. In comparison, only 3/12 horses treated with psyllium and 2/10 horses treated with MgSO 4 resolved (both significantly different from the combination; P 0.05). Large accumulations of sand in the large colon of horses can be treated medically. Administering a combination of psyllium and MgSO 4 via nasogastric intubation once daily for a total of 4 days was a more effective treatment than either constituent alone.

Objective To describe a technique for surgical correction of nephrosplenic entrapment via standing left flank laparotomy. Study Design Case series. Animals Horses (n = 3). Methods Nephrosplenic entrapment was diagnosed by abdominal palpation per rectum in all 3 horses and confirmed by transabdominal ultrasonography in 2 horses. Duration of colic was variable and failed to resolve after medical management, phenylephrine administration, and jogging. With sedation and local analgesia, standing left flank laparotomy using a modified grid approach was performed to correct the entrapment. Follow-up information was obtained by telephone communication with trainers or owners. Results Nephrosplenic entrapment was successfully corrected in all horses; postoperative fever occurred in 1 horse. Horses were discharged after 48–72 hours and returned to previous use within 30 days. Conclusion Standing flank laparotomy is an alternative for horses with nephrosplenic entrapment unresponsive to medical therapy when general anesthesia and exploratory celiotomy are not an option because of financial constraints or a high anesthetic risk. This approach leads to a favorable outcome, reduces hospital stay and associated costs and leads to a rapid return to function.

Large colon volvulus (LCV) is a life-threatening form of colic that occurs when the large colon rotates 360° or more on its axis, resulting in colonic distention and ischaemia. Any horse can suffer from LCV, but the risk is greatest for periparturient Thoroughbred broodmares; the objective of this study was to estimate the heritability of LCV in these horses. The criteria for classification as an LCV case were being a Thoroughbred broodmare from one of three farms in central Kentucky and having had surgical correction for LCV. Controls were identified as Thoroughbred broodmares present on the same farms with no history of surgical colic. Thirty-nine cases and 191 controls were identified. Age of the LCV cases at the time of incident was significantly younger than that of the controls at the time of the study (P

Objective—To determine the effect of large colon ischemia and reperfusion on concentrations of the inflammatory neutrophilic protein calprotectin and other clinicopathologic variables in jugular and colonic venous blood in horses. Animals—6 healthy horses. Procedures—Horses were anesthetized, and ischemia was induced for 1 hour followed by 4 hours of reperfusion in a segment of the pelvic flexure of the large colon. Blood samples were obtained before anesthesia, before induction of ischemia, 1 hour after the start of ischemia, and 1, 2, and 4 hours after the start of reperfusion from jugular veins and veins of the segment of the large colon that underwent ischemia and reperfusion. A sandwich ELISA was developed for detection of equine calprotectin. Serum calprotectin concentrations and values of blood gas, hematologic, and biochemical analysis variables were determined. Results—Large colon ischemia caused metabolic acidosis, a significant increase in lactate and potassium concentrations and creatine kinase activities, and a nonsignificant decrease in glucose concentrations in colonic venous blood samples. Values of these variables after reperfusion were similar to values before ischemia. Ischemia and reperfusion induced activation of an inflammatory response characterized by an increase in neutrophil cell turnover rate in jugular and colonic venous blood samples and calprotectin concentrations in colonic venous blood samples. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results of this study suggested that large colon ischemia and reperfusion caused local and systemic inflammation in horses. Serum calprotectin concentration may be useful as a marker of this inflammatory response.

Submitted by Guilherme Lemeszenski (guilherme@nead.unesp.br) on 2013-08-22T18:56:42Z No. of bitstreams: 1 S0102-09352013000200004.pdf: 127050 bytes, checksum: 41af54f34c586dcd2583c0a6d52a3f4d (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2013-08-22T18:56:42Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 S0102-09352013000200004.pdf: 127050 bytes, checksum: 41af54f34c586dcd2583c0a6d52a3f4d (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-04-01 Made available in DSpace on 2013-09-30T19:50:57Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 S0102-09352013000200004.pdf: 127050 bytes, checksum: 41af54f34c586dcd2583c0a6d52a3f4d (MD5) S0102-09352013000200004.pdf.txt: 25583 bytes, checksum: 5ba3b4e120f13849306255700ff4b08a (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-04-01 Submitted by Vitor Silverio Rodrigues (vitorsrodrigues@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2014-05-20T15:13:13Z No. of bitstreams: 2 S0102-09352013000200004.pdf: 127050 bytes, checksum: 41af54f34c586dcd2583c0a6d52a3f4d (MD5) S0102-09352013000200004.pdf.txt: 25583 bytes, checksum: 5ba3b4e120f13849306255700ff4b08a (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2014-05-20T15:13:13Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 S0102-09352013000200004.pdf: 127050 bytes, checksum: 41af54f34c586dcd2583c0a6d52a3f4d (MD5) S0102-09352013000200004.pdf.txt: 25583 bytes, checksum: 5ba3b4e120f13849306255700ff4b08a (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-04-01 Durante o período de 2004 a 2009, 11 animais foram tratados para o deslocamento à esquerda do cólon maior, por meio da técnica de rolamento sob anestesia geral, com uma técnica distinta das demais previamente descritas. A seleção dos casos foi baseada nos achados da palpação retal e confirmada ultrassonograficamente. Nove animais foram tratados com sucesso e dois foram submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico após três tentativas de rolamento. Não foram observadas complicações decorrentes do procedimento a curto e a longo prazos. Somente um animal apresentou recidiva do quadro clínico 10 meses após o tratamento e foi novamente submetido ao rolamento. Apesar da diferença com relação às outras técnicas, esta também se mostrou eficaz. O rolamento, mesmo quando realizado mais de uma vez, mostrou ser um procedimento seguro, porém enfatiza-se a necessidade de cuidados especiais aos animais após a sua realização, pois medidas emergenciais podem ser necessárias caso complicações decorrentes desta técnica ocorram. The left displacement of the large colon, a condition that commonly occurs in horses, has two clinical manifestations. Different treatments including medical treatment, rolling the horse under general anesthesia or surgical correction have been recommended. The diagnosis can often be made by rectal examination and confirmed by percutaneous ultrasonography. During the period between 2004 and 2009, 11 horses were treated for left displacement of the large colon by rolling the horses under general anesthesia, using a slightly different technique than the ones previously described. The clinical case selection was based on rectal palpation confirmed with ultrasonogram. Nine animals were successfully treated and two had to be submitted to surgery after three attempts of rolling. No short or long term complications were observed after the procedure. Only one animal had a recurrence of the clinical manifestation 10 months after the first treatment and was successfully rolled once again. Despite a bit different from the other rolling procedures, this also proved to be an effective procedure. Rolling a horse even when attempted more than once showed to be a safe procedure, however, we reinforce the need for special attention following the procedure in order to establish proper emergency procedures in case complications occur. Universidade Federal do Tocantins (UFT) EMVZ Universidade Estadual Paulista FCAV Universidade Estadual Paulista FCAV

Background: Surgical treatment of colic is expensive and complications may occur. Information on the prognosis and the use of the horse after surgery for colic is important for surgeons and owners. Current literature on return to athletic function after celiotomy is limited. The present study reviewed surgical cases of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Helsinki, Finland for 2006-2012. The aim was to follow the population of horses of different breeds for surgical findings, postsurgical complications, long-term recovery and prognosis. The findings and their influence on survival, return to previous or intended use and performance were assessed. Results: Most of the operated horses (82.6%; 195/236) recovered from anesthesia and 74.9% (146/195) were discharged. The total follow-up time was 8 years and 10 months and the median survival time 79.2 months. Age of the horse, location of the abdominal lesion (small vs. large intestine), incidence of postoperative colic, surgical site infection, incisional hernia or convalescence time after surgery, did not significantly affect the probability of performing in the previous or intended discipline after the surgery. A majority of the discharged horses (83.7%) was able to perform in the previous or intended discipline and 78.5% regained their former or higher level of performance. Operated horses had 0.18 colic episodes per horse-year during the long-term follow-up. The incidence of colic was 20.0% within the first year after surgery. Horses operated for large intestinal colic were 3.3-fold more prone to suffer postoperative colic than horses operated for small intestinal colic. The majority of the owners (96.3%) were satisfied with the veterinary care and nearly all (98.5%) evaluated the recovery after the colic surgery to be satisfactory or above. Conclusions: If the horse survives to discharge, prognosis for long-term survival and return to previous level of sporting activity and performance was good after colic surgery in a population of horses of different breeds. None of the factors studied were found to decrease the probability of performing in the same or intended discipline after surgery. The majority of horses were able to return to their previous activity and perform satisfactorily for several years after surgery.

Objective To report a standing hand-assisted laparoscopic technique for closure of the nephrosplenic space (NS), and short-term outcome in horses. Study Design Case series. Animals Horses (n = 12) aged 5–14 years. Methods Medical records (2007–2010) of horses treated for left dorsal displacement of the large colon (LDDLC) using a hand-assisted laparoscopic correction technique with closure of the NS in the same surgical procedure were reviewed. A modified grid laparotomy in the left paralumbar fossa was used with manual correction of LDDLC, after which the NS was closed with a laparoscopic technique. Follow up was obtained by telephone interview of owners or referring veterinarians. Results Resolution of LDDLC and closure of the NS was successful, with only minor postoperative complications, in all horses. On short-term follow-up (>10 months; mean, 23.8 months), 2 horses had displacement of the large colon between the spleen and the body wall. Conclusion Standing hand-assisted laparoscopic correction of LDDLC and closure of the NS in a single surgical procedure is feasible. Appropriate case selection is mandatory when performing this combined technique.

Submitted by Vitor Silverio Rodrigues (vitorsrodrigues@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2014-05-27T11:27:21Z No. of bitstreams: 0Bitstream added on 2014-05-27T14:37:01Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 2-s2.0-84872915367.pdf: 163812 bytes, checksum: 28ab5a50e73057f75b4a0f9edc24e1f6 (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2014-05-27T11:27:21Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2012-12-01 Twenty-four horses were distributed into four different groups, instrumented control (GI), duodenum obstruction (GII), ileum obstruction (GIII) and large colon obstruction (GIV). Serum and peritoneal fluid analysis of aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, inorganic phosphorus and lactate were measured. Samples were collected one hour before the surgical procedure (T0); 3 hours after the obstruction (T3ob), 1, 3, 12, 24, 120 and 168 hours after the beginning of reperfusion/deobstruction. Duodenal (GII) and ileum (GIII) obstructions changed serum and peritoneal fluid biochemical analysis. However, only lactate, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase and inorganic phosphorus concentrations were abnormal in peritoneal fluid three hours after the obstruction. The biochemical analysis of peritoneal fluid allowed a faster diagnostic of intestinal alterations than the serum analysis; hence it should be prioritized when pre-operatory colic assessment is carried out. Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro UENF, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias FCAV/UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP FCAV/UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias FCAV/UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP FCAV/UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP

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.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.Right dorsal displacement of the large colon in foals.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.

Case Description—A 10-year-old Lipizzaner stallion was evaluated over the course of 1.5 years because of intermittent, recurrent colic. Clinical Findings—The horse was initially treated medically for gastric ulcers; dietary changes were made, and a deworming protocol was instituted, without resolution of colic episodes. Subsequently, the horse underwent exploratory celiotomy and a large colon volvulus was identified with diffuse colonic wall thickening. A pelvic flexure biopsy sample was submitted for histologic examination, which revealed lymphocytic (CD3-positive T cells) myenteric ganglionitis (MG). The horse developed a cecal impaction after surgery, which did not resolve, despite aggressive medical management; subsequently a complete cecal bypass was performed. Cecal and colonic wall biopsy samples were evaluated histologically and confirmed the diagnosis of MG. After surgery, the horse developed a large colon impaction, which initially responded to aggressive medical treatment, and the horse was discharged. Treatment and Outcome—Despite rigorous feed restrictions and prokinetic and corticosteroid treatment, the horse continued to have signs of colic and was euthanized 3 weeks after discharge from the hospital because of a recurrent large colon impaction. Intestinal biopsy samples obtained at the time of death revealed chronic changes in intramural ganglia consistent with generalized MG. Clinical Relevance—MG is a rare disease in horses, causing gastrointestinal motility dysfunction and signs of colic, which is challenging to diagnose and treat successfully. Further studies are needed to identify the etiology of this disease and to explore treatment options.

Objective—To induce ischemia and reperfusion injury in the large colon mucosa of horses in vivo and evaluate the recovery and effects of components of an organ transplant solution on mucosal recovery in vitro. Animals—6 healthy horses. Procedures—Horses were anesthetized, and ischemia was induced for 60 minutes in the pelvic flexure, which was followed by reperfusion for 240 minutes. Ischemic (n = 4 horses), reperfused (6), and adjacent control (6) colonic mucosae were isolated for in vitro testing and histologic examinations. Tissues were mounted in Ussing chambers with plain Krebs Ringer bicarbonate (KRB), KRB with N-acetylcysteine (NAC), or KRB with a modified organ transplant solution (MOTS). Transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) and mannitol flux were used to assess mucosal integrity. Data were analyzed by use of ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results—The TER in reperfused tissues was similar to the TER in control tissues and greater than the TER in ischemic tissues, which was consistent with morphological evidence of recovery in reperfused tissues. Mannitol flux was greater in ischemic tissues than in reperfused tissues. The TER and mannitol flux were not significantly affected by incubation of mucosa with NAC or MOTS. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Ischemia induced during the brief period allowed rapid mucosal repair and complete recovery of tissue barrier properties during reperfusion. Therefore, reperfusion injury was not observed for this method of ischemic damage in equine colonic mucosa.

Obstructions of the large colon are relatively common causes of colic in the horse. Diagnosis involves establishing what type of obstruction is present in order to decide whether medical therapy is appropriate or if exploratory laparotomy is indicated. Strangulating obstructions cannot be managed medically and require surgical intervention. This article discusses the medical management of non-strangulating obstructions in horses, and highlights situations where surgery might need to be considered.

This study aimed to evaluate the parameters of renal and hepatic functions in horses submitted to an experimental model of intestinal obstruction. Twenty-four animals were distributed into four different groups: instrumented control (GI), duodenum obstruction (GII), ileum obstruction (GIII) and large colon obstruction (GIV). Blood samples were collected one hour before the surgical procedure (T0); 3 hours after the obstruction/ischaemia (T3i); and 1, 3, 12, 24, 72 and 120 hours after the beginning of reperfusion/deobstruction for determination of the concentration of urea, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase, albumin, glucose, fibrinogen and bilirrubin (total, direct and indirect). During obstructive period none significant alterations were observed in the biochemical parameters evaluated. After the unblocking procedure, the animals from GII and GIII presented an increase in aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, fibrinogen and total and direct bilirrubin values. However, these changes were not associated with clinical signs of liver damage and, at the end of the observation period their values were found within normal range. Considering the laboratory tests for the diagnosis of hepatic lesions lack specificity, it is recommended that such tests are performed concomitantly and in series. KEYWORDS: Acute abdomen, blood biomarkers, equines.

A 4-month-old Thoroughbred filly presented for abdominal pain was diagnosed with a T-shaped malformation of the ventral colon at exploratory laparotomy. Following resection and anastomosis of the large colon, no further episodes of abdominal pain occurred during a 12-month follow-up. Acute dehiscence of the linea alba occurred as a complication of the initial laparotomy, but was successfully managed following additional surgical repair. T-shaped malformation of the ventral colon has not previously been reported and is considered a congenital malformation of mesocolon formation.

A 3-year-old Andalusian stallion was referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Cordoba due to acute onset of colic pain. At admission, the horse presented a pronounced distension of the inguinal and scrotal region which was cold and painful on palpation. On rectal palpation no small intestine gas distention was noticed, and the left large colon was detected protruding into the left internal inguinal ring. The percutaneous scrotal sonogram showed an intestinal loop which had moved into the scrotal bag close to the left testicle. The horse was diagnosed with indirect acquired left inguinal hernia. The necropsy revealed an impacted and twisted pelvic flexure in the vaginal space. To the authors' knowledge, this report is the first that describes a clinical case of inguinal-scrotal herniation and torsion of the pelvic flexure into the inguinal canal in an adult stallion associated with an impaction of the ascending colon.

São descritos cinco casos de enterite granulomatosa associada a larvas de ciatostomíneos em eqüinos provenientes de três propriedades rurais do Rio Grande do Sul. Os casos ocorreram entre janeiro de 1999 e dezembro de 2007. A evolução clínica nos dois casos cujo seguimento clínico foi acompanhado foi de 10 e 14 dias. Os sinais clínicos apresentados por três eqüinos foram semelhantes e consistiam de diarréia (3/3), emagrecimento (2/3), pirexia (1/3), taquicardia (1/3) e taquipnéia (1/3). Os achados macroscópicos incluíram espessamento da parede do cólon maior e ceco por edema e ocorrência de numerosos pontos marrom-escuros com 1-4mm, levemente salientes, disseminados pela mucosa. A incisão desses pontos revelou pequenas larvas de nematódeos marrom-avermelhadas de 1-2mm. Numerosos parasitas, compatíveis morfologicamente com pequenos estrôngilos, foram observados na luz intestinal ou aderidos à mucosa do cólon maior e ceco. Histologicamente, na mucosa e submucosa do cólon maior e ceco, foram observados múltiplos granulomas constituídos por moderado ou acentuado infiltrado inflamatório, composto por macrófagos, macrófagos epitelióides e eosinófilos circundados por linfócitos e plasmócitos. No centro desses granulomas, observaram-se cortes transversais de parasitas com morfologia compatível com ciatostomíneos. Adicionalmente, havia edema e infiltrado inflamatório linfo-histioplasmocitário e eosinofílico, leve ou moderado na submucosa e mucosa do cólon maior e ceco; necrose e proliferação linfo-histiocítária em folículos linfóides na submucosa e hiperplasia de células caliciformes na mucosa. O diagnóstico de enterite granulomatosa associada a ciatostomíneos foi realizado com base nos achados epidemiológicos, clínicos e macroscópicos e confirmado pela histologia. Five cases of granulomatous enteritis associated with cyathostomes are described in horses from three farms in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The cases occurred from January 1999 to December 2007. The clinical course in two cases in which clinical follow-up was available was 10-14 days. Clinical signs presented by two horses were similar and included diarrhea (3/3), weight loss (2/3), pyrexia (1/3), tachycardia (1/3), and tachypnea (1/3). Gross changes consisted of thickening of the wall of large colon and cecum by edema and the occurrence of numerous 1-4mm, dark-tan, slightly raised multifocal pinpoints disseminated throughout the mucosa. Up on the incision of these pinpoints, brown-reddish, small (1-2mm) nematode larvae emerged. Large numbers of parasites with morphology compatible with small strongyles were observed in the lumina of large colon and cecum or adhered to the mucosae of these organs. Histologically, multiple granulomas were seen in the mucosa and submucosa of large colon and cecum. These granulomas consisted of moderate to severe inflammatory infiltrate of macrophages, epithelioid macrophages, and eosinophils surrounded by fewer lymphocytes and plasma cells. In the center of these granulomas, transversal cut sections of parasites with morphology compatible with cyathostomes larvae were observed. Additionally, there was edema and moderate to marked lymphohistioplasmacytic and eosinophilic inflammatory infiltrate throughout the mucosa and submucosa of the large colon and cecum; necrosis and lymphohistiocytic proliferation in the submucosal lymphoid follicles, with hyperplasia of goblet cells in the epithelial lining of these organs were also observed. The diagnosis of granulomatous enteritis associated with larval cyathostomiasis was made based on epidemiological, clinical, and gross findings which were confirmed by histopathology.

Objective— To report complications and survival after large colon resection and end-to-end anastomosis in horses with strangulating large colon volvulus. Study Design— Retrospective case series. Animals— Horses (n=73) with strangulating large colon volvulus. Methods— Records (January 1995 to December 2005) of horses that had large colon resection and anastomosis for strangulating large colon volvulus were reviewed for complications. Follow-up data were obtained by telephone questionnaire at least 1 year postoperatively. Cox proportional hazards model was used for multivariate association with survival time. Variables included admission date, age, temperature, heart rate, packed cell volume, total plasma protein concentration, white blood cell count, breed, and sex. Significance was set at P1 year) returned to their intended use (37 brood mares, 2 racehorses, and 1 show horse) with no chronic problems related to the surgical procedure. Conclusion— None of the variables examined were associated with survival. Outcomes were similar to other large studies of surgical colic in the horse. Self-limiting diarrhea is common after large colon resection and the prognosis for survival after hospital discharge is favorable. Clinical Relevance— Horses that survive the early postoperative period and are discharged after large colon resection and anastomosis have a good chance for long-term survival with minimal negative impact on quality of life and use.

O equilíbrio ácido-base foi estudado em eqüinos com compactação experimental do cólon maior após o uso de solução isotônica poliônica enteral, sene mais hidratação intravenosa e hidratação intravenosa. As amostras sangüíneas foram colhidas de 20 animais, quatro grupos (E8, RL, SE e C) de cinco animais cada. Os animais dos grupos tratados eram portadores de compactação no cólon maior induzida experimentalmente. Eqüinos no grupo E8 receberam solução isotônica poliônica enteral (8mL kg -1 h -1 48h -1 ); no grupo SE, sene foram administrados na dose de 20mg kg -1 , duas doses de 24/24h, mais Ringer lactato intravenoso, 10mL kg -1 h -1 12h -1 , durante dois dias; sendo que o grupo RL recebeu Ringer lactato intravenoso (16mL kg -1 h -1 12h -1 ) durante dois dias. O grupo C, controle, não foi tratado. Entre os tratamentos testados, a fluidoterapia intravenosa com solução de Ringer lactato (RL) foi o tratamento mais eficiente para a correção das variáveis hemogasométricas em eqüinos com compactação do cólon maior. A solução isotônica poliônica enteral (E8) e sene associada com fluidoterapia intravenosa (SE) foram eficientes, porém em menor grau. The blood acid-base status was studied in equines when induced large colon impaction was followed by applying an isotonic polionic enteral solution, or sene associated with intravenous fluid therapy, or fluid therapy alone. The blood samples were collected in twenty animals, four groups (E8, RL, SE, and C) of five animals each. Animals of the treated groups had experimentally induced colon impactions. Equines in group E8 received isotonic polionic enteral solution (8 mL kg -1 h -1 48 h -1 ); in group SE, sene was applied at 20mg kg -1 , two doses per animal, at 24-hour intervals, along with the Ringer lactate IV, 10mL kg -1 h -1 , 12 h -1 , both during two days; and in the RL animals received Ringer lactate IV only (16mL kg -1 h -1 12h -1 ), applied during two days. Group C was the non-treated control. Among the tested treatments, the intravenous fluid therapy with Ringer solution (RL) alone was the most efficient to correct the blood gas parameters in horses with large colon impaction. The isotonic polionic enteral solution (E8) and sene associated with intravenous fluid therapy (SE) were also efficient, although less so than Ringer solution alone.

Intra-abdominal adhesions are equine surgery complications, which can result in obstructive processes and jeopardize the survival of these animals. The present study used 10 healthy, male mongrel horses (SRD), with four and 15 years of age and weighing between 300 and 400 kilograms (kg), who underwent laparotomy left station with the aim of inducing adhesions, test intestinal membrane using pericardium as prevention and evaluating the different systemic changes and the abdominal fluid. After sedation and local anesthesia, the surgical approach was used in grade; pelvic flexure was created in an area of abrasion that in Group 1 was covered by homologous pericardium and in Group 2, washed with saline. After repositioning muscle, the skin and subcutaneous tissue were sutured. Postoperative care consisted of clinical evaluation, abdominal fluid cytology, hematology and serum biochemistry in moments M0- preoperative, and M7, M14, M21 and M28 days postoperatively. New laparotomy was performed at 30 days from the surgery to verify adhesion, appearance and intestinal biopsy. The surgical technique allowed less trauma and restricted operative field. The clinical course was satisfactory, and fibrous scar was identified between the muscle planes. Adhesions were not observed. Laboratory evaluations showed increased bilirubin, hematocrit, monocyte, blood urea and protein density and segmented leukocyte peritoneal fluid. The present study concluded that the abrasion was insufficient to promote fibrous adhesions. The implant without proven efficacy is feasible and possible, and does not result in significant differences laboratory or deleterious changes. Aderências intra-abdominais são complicações de cirurgias de equinos que podem resultar em processos obstrutivos e comprometer a sobrevida dos animais. O presente estudo utilizou dez equinos hígidos, machos, sem raça definida (SRD), com quatro a 15 anos de idade e peso vivo situado entre 300 e 400 quilogramas (kg). Os animais foram submetidos à laparotomia esquerda em estação com o objetivo de serem induzidas aderências, testar a utilização intestinal de membrana biológica de pericárdio como prevenção e avaliar as diferentes alterações sistêmicas e do líquido abdominal. Após sedação e analgesia local, foi utilizado o acesso cirúrgico em grade, na flexura pélvica foi criada uma área de abrasão que, no Grupo 1, foi coberta por pericárdio homólogo e no Grupo 2, lavada com solução fisiológica. Após reposicionamento foi realizada a sutura muscular, de subcutâneo e pele. O pós-operatório constou de avaliações clínicas, citologia do líquido abdominal, hematologia e bioquímica sérica nos momentos M0- pré-operatório e M7, M14, M21 e M28 dias de pós-operatório. Nova laparotomia foi realizada aos 30 dias para verificar aderências, aspecto e biópsia intestinal. A técnica cirúrgica possibilitou menor trauma e campo operatório restrito. A evolução clínica foi satisfatória e cicatriz fibrosa foi identificada entre os planos musculares. Aderências não foram observadas. As avaliações laboratoriais demonstraram aumento de bilirrubinas, hematócrito, monócito, ureia sanguíneos e de proteína, densidade e leucócitos segmentados no líquido peritoneal. Conclui-se que a abrasão foi insuficiente para promover aderências fibrosas. O implante, sem comprovada eficácia, é viável e possível, por não resultar em diferenças laboratoriais significativas ou alterações deletérias.

A 2-year-old dappled Percheron horse had a wasting condition that did not respond to antibiotic treatments and ultimately resulted in death. Thickening of the wall of the large colon and enlargement of the mesenteric lymph nodes were observed at postmortem examination, along with the presence of pinpoint whitish foci in the liver. Microscopic examination of affected tissues revealed diffuse chronic granulomatous enterocolitis, granulomatous mesenteric lymphadenitis, and multifocal granulomatous hepatitis. The DNA extracted from paraffin-embedded intestinal and lymph node samples was analyzed using both a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay and PCR–restriction endonuclease analysis and demonstrated the presence of Mycobacterium bovis.

Objective—To identify factors associated with development of small colon impaction in horses and with selection of medical versus surgical treatment and to determine the prognosis for affected horses following medical or surgical management. Design—Retrospective case series. Animals—44 horses with primary impaction of the small colon. Procedures—Medical records were reviewed for signalment, history, clinical findings, treatment (medical vs surgical), hospitalization time, and outcome. For comparison purposes, the same information was collected for 83 horses with primary impaction of the large colon. Results—Diarrhea was the only factor found to be associated with development of small colon impaction. Horses with small colon impaction were 10.8 times as likely to have diarrhea at the time of initial examination as were horses with large colon impaction. Abdominal distension was the only factor associated with use of surgical versus medical treatment. Horses with small colon impaction that were treated surgically were 5.2 times as likely to have had abdominal distension at the time of admission as were horses with small colon impaction that were treated medically. Overall, 21 of 23 (91%) horses treated medically and 20 of 21 (95%) horses treated surgically survived to discharge. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that diarrhea may be a risk factor for development of small colon impaction and that horses with small colon impaction that have abdominal distension at the time of initial examination are more likely to require surgical than medical treatment.

Large-colon torsion is a common cause of colic in horses and has a worse prognosis and higher cost than other causes of surgical colic of the large colon. During large-colon torsion, the colon wall becomes thick due to vascular occlusion. Therefore, we hypothesized that detecting increased colon wall thickness during ultrasonography would be an accurate preoperative test for large-colon torsion. The sample population consisted of 42 horses that were admitted for surgical treatment of colic localized to the large colon. The diagnosis was confirmed at surgery or necropsy examination. Twelve (29%) of these horses were diagnosed with large-colon torsion. Duplicate ultrasonographic measurements of colon wall thickness were made at six abdominal locations and an average measurement was calculated. For four of these six sites, a significant difference (P0.005) was detected between horses with and without large-colon torsion. All four tests were moderately sensitive and highly specific for diagnosing large-colon torsion using five decision criteria. Using a ventral abdominal window, a colon wall thicknessor = 9 mm accurately predicted large-colon torsion in eight of the 12 horses (sensitivity, 67%; confidence interval [CI], 36-98%) and correctly predicted that large-colon torsion was absent in 28/28 horses (specificity 100%; CI, 98-100%). Intraobserver repeatability was assessed by evaluating the difference between the first and second measurements obtained, which wasor = 2 mm. Therefore, detecting increased large-colon wall thickness during ultrasonography is a reproducible and accurate preoperative test for large-colon torsion in horses with surgical colic localized to the large colon.

Background\ud \ud Large colon impactions are a common cause of colic in the horse. There are no scientific reports on the clinical presentation, diagnostic tests and treatments used in first opinion practice for large colon impaction cases. The aim of this study was to describe the presentation, diagnostic approach and treatment at the primary assessment of horses with large colon impactions.\ud \ud Methods\ud \ud Data were collected prospectively from veterinary practitioners on the primary assessment of equine colic cases over a 12 month period. Inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of primary large colon impaction and positive findings on rectal examination. Data recorded for each case included history, signalment, clinical and diagnostic findings, treatment on primary assessment and final case outcome. Case outcomes were categorised into three groups: simple medical (resolved with single treatment), complicated medical (resolved with multiple medical treatments) and critical (required surgery, were euthanased or died). Univariable analysis using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post-hoc test, Kruskal Wallis with Dunn’s post-hoc test and Chi squared analysis were used to compare between different outcome categories.\ud \ud Results\ud \ud 1032 colic cases were submitted by veterinary practitioners: 120 cases met the inclusion criteria for large colon impaction. Fifty three percent of cases were categorised as simple medical, 36.6% as complicated medical, and 9.2% as critical. Most cases (42.1%) occurred during the winter. Fifty nine percent of horses had had a recent change in management, 43% of horses were not ridden, and 12.5% had a recent / current musculoskeletal injury. Mean heart rate was 43bpm (range 26-88) and most cases showed mild signs of pain (67.5%) and reduced gut sounds (76%). Heart rate was significantly increased and gut sounds significantly decreased in critical compared to simple medical cases (p

Five healthy green iguana (Iguana iguana) were used to determine appropriate technique and normal transit times for gastrointestinal contrast studies and to describe normal radiographic anatomy. The animals were maintained at 27-29 degrees C. There was rapid transit through a U shaped stomach, with a median gastric emptying time of 8 h, and median small intestinal transit and small intestine emptying times of 4 h and 16 h respectively. Median large colon transit and emptying times were 15 h and 66 h. Maintaining the iguana at a reduced ambient temperature increased all of these times. The vaso-vagal response or mechanical methods were adequate for restraint. A 25 ml/kg dose of a 25% w/v suspension of barium administered by stomach tube gave the best results. Lateral and ventrodorsal projections of the abdomen should be made immediately following the administration of the barium and at 1-hour intervals for the first 6 h and at 12-hour intervals thereafter until barium can be identified in the distal descending small colon.

Objective—To determine efficacy of an extracorporeal circuit to maintain a segment of equine large colon for 3.5 hours and to evaluate the effect of low arterial flow on histologic and metabolic variables. Sample Population—Segments of large colon from 15 healthy adult horses. Procedure—The pelvic flexure was surgically removed and maintained in an isolated circuit. In the control group, tissue was evaluated for 3.5 hours, whereas in the low-flow group, arterial flow was reduced to 20% of baseline for 40 minutes followed by 2 hours of reperfusion. Various metabolic and hemodynamic variables were evaluated at 30-minute intervals. Effects of nitric oxide (NO) and L-N-nitro-arginine- methyl-ester (L-NAME) on contractile activity were determined, and histomorphologic evaluation was performed at the completion of the study. Results—Low-flow ischemia with reperfusion caused significant histomorphologic differences, compared with the control group. In the low-flow group, significant differences included reduction in PaCO2, reduction in bicarbonate concentrations, increase in PaO2, and an increase in base deficit in arterial and venous blood samples. Other significant differences included increases in PCV, protein concentration, total WBC count, and albumin clearance for the low-flow group. Differences were not detected in inhibitory activity of the low-flow group relative to the control tissue with or without addition of NO and L-NAME. Conclusion—The extracorporeal circuit maintained a segment of equine intestine for 3.5 hours and can be used to simulate ischemic injury. The extracorporeal circuit provides the potential to investigate pharmaceutic agents that can minimize intestinal injury. (Am J Vet Res 2000;61:1042–1051)

Objectives— To report a surgical technique for treatment of nonreducible cecocolic intussusception and outcome in 8 horses. Study Design— Retrospective study. Animals— Eight horses with nonreducible cecocolic intussusception treated by cecal amputation through a right ventral colotomy. Methods— Data were obtained from medical records and telephone conversations by using a standardized questionnaire. The large colon was exteriorized and, if necessary, evacuated of its contents through a pelvic flexure enterotomy. A second colotomy was made on the ventral surface of the right ventral colon (RVC) centered over or immediately distal to the intussusceptum. In most horses, attempts to manually reduce the intussusception by pushing the cecum from within the RVC through the cecocolic orifice were unsuccessful. Invaginated cecum was then pulled into the RVC and amputated; the cecum was either ligated with umbilical tape or sutured proximal to the site of amputation. After amputation, the remainder of the invaginated cecum was reduced. After further resection to healthy tissue, the typhlectomy was closed with a double-inverting suture pattern. Results— The median horse age was 2 years (range, 1 to 8 years). Duration of colic ranged from 6 hours to 6 months. Median surgical time was 180 minutes (range, 135 to 300 minutes). Median duration of antibiotic therapy was 7 days (range, 5 to 14 days). Median duration of hospitalization was 12 days (range, 6 to 21 days). All horses survived to hospital discharge. One horse died 3 months postoperatively; however, the remainder survived (median survival, 30 months; range, 6 to 96 months) and returned to or exceeded previous function. Clinical Relevance— Despite some contamination during surgery, horses with nonreducible cecocolic intussusception that underwent this method of surgical treatment had a good prognosis.

This report describes two mares presented for evaluation of anorexia, fever of unknown origin, and weight loss. Clinical examination, laboratory findings, and transrectal ultrasonographic images suggested ovarian abscessation. One mare was successfully treated medically. Because of financial considerations, the second mare was euthanatized and a postmortem examination was performed. At necropsy, there was an enlarged right ovary with an adhesion to the large colon. Microscopic findings were characteristic of an ovarian abscess.

A eficiência da fluidoterapia por via enteral foi avaliada em 14 eqüídeos (12 eqüinos e dois muares) que apresentavam compactação do cólon maior. Os animais tinham entre um ano e meio e 20 anos de idade e todos eram alimentados com capim elefante (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach) triturado. O início dos sinais de cólica foi observado no dia do internamento em seis casos, um dia antes em cinco casos, três dias antes em um caso, quatro dias antes em um caso e seis dias antes em um caso. Um cavalo havia sido banhado com amitraz dois dias antes dos primeiros sinais de cólica. Quando foram internados, todos os animais apresentavam desidratação, dor leve a moderada e intermitente, fezes ressecadas e digesta compactada no cólon maior. Onze animais foram medicados com analgésico. Através de sonda nasogástrica foi administrada água a todos os animais. O volume administrado, de cada vez, foi de no máximo 10 litros e o intervalo entre as administrações foi de no mínimo 30 minutos. O volume total administrado a cada animal variou de 60 a 223 litros (média 119,14 litros). Durante o tratamento, o único ali mento fornecido foi ração à base de grãos e suplemento mineral. Diariamente eram feitos dois exames clínicos e todos os animais apresentaram poliúria, redução gradativa do volume abdominal, amolecimento das fezes e remissão dos sinais de desidratação. O tratamento teve a duração de um a cinco dias (média 2,57 dias). Quando a fluidoterapia foi interrompida, nenhum animal apresentava dor abdominal ou compactação do intestino grosso. Concluiu-se que a fluidoterapia enteral foi eficiente no tratamento de compactação do cólon maior em eqüídeos. The efficiency of enteral fluid therapy was checked in 14 equids (12 horses and two mules) presenting large colon impaction. The age of the animals ranged from 1.5 to 20 years old. All equids were fed chopped "capim elefante" (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach). The first colic signs were observed in the hospitalization day in six cases, one day before in five cases, three days before in one case, four days before in one case, and six days before in one case. One horse was sprayed with amitraz two days before the first colic signs. At hospitalization all animals showed dehydration, mild to moderate intermittent pain, dried feces, and impacted mass in large colon. Eleven animals were medicated with analgesics. Water was administered by nasogastric tube for all animals. The maximum volume administered at each time was 10 liters and the minimum interval between administrations was 30 minutes. The total volume administered for each animal ranged from 60 to 223 liters (mean, 119.14 liters). During treatment the animals were fed only with grain meal and mineral supplement. Two physical exams were done every day and all equids showed poliuria, gradual abdominal volume reduction, feces softening, and regression of dehydration signs. Duration of treatment was one to six days (mean, 2.57 days). At the end of fluid therapy, none animal showed abdominal pain or large intestino impaction. It may be concluded that enteral fluid therapy was efficient to treat large colon impaction in equids.

Objective—To describe an alternative technique for large colon resection and anastomosis in horses. Study Design—Retrospective study of clinical patients. Animal Population—37 horses that had ventral midline celiotomies between July 1, 1990, and July 1, 1994. Methods—Large colon resection and anastomosis was performed using a modification of previously described techniques. Modifications include mesocolon ligation with a stapling device and an end-to-end apposition of the right ventral and right dorsal colon. Results—Twenty-one of the 37 horses were discharged from the hospital without complications. Two horses were euthanatized immediately after recovery from anesthesia because of hindlimb fracture. Fourteen horses were euthanatized in the initial postoperative period because of persistent endotoxemia and abdominal pain. Conclusions—The described technique is a safe, reliable method for large colon resection and anastomosis in horses. Clinical Relevance—The described technique is fairly simple to perform and requires less surgical time compared with other techniques.

Objective—To determine the effect of platelet-activating factor (PAF) antagonist L-691,880 on low-flow ischemia and reperfusion (I-R) of the large colon in horses. Animals—12 adult horses. Experimental Design—Horses were anesthetized, and the large colon was exteriorized through a ventral median celiotomy and instrumented. Colonic arterial blood flow was reduced to 20% of baseline (BL) and maintained for 3 hours; flow was then restored, and the colon was reperfused for 3 hours. One of two solutions was administered intravenously 30 minutes before reperfusion: group 1, 10 mL/kg 0.9% NaCl; and group 2, 5 mg/kg PAF antagonist L-691,880 in 0.9% NaCl. Hemodynamic variables were monitored and recorded at 30-minute intervals. Systemic arterial and colonic venous blood were collected for measurement of blood gas tensions, oximetry analyses, packed cell volume, and total plasma protein concentrations. Colonic venous blood was collected for determination of lactate, 6-keto prostaglandin F1α (6-kPG), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and thromboxane B2 (TXB2) concentrations. Full-thickness biopsy specimens were harvested from the left ventral colon for histological evaluation. Results—There were no significant differences between the two groups for any hemodynamic or metabolic variables. Colonic venous pH decreased, and carbon dioxide tension and lactate concentration increased during ischemia but returned to BL values during reperfusion. Colonic venous 6-kPG concentration was significantly increased above BL value at 2 hours and remained increased through 6 hours in horses of both groups. Colonic venous PGE2 concentration was significantly greater in group 2 compared with group 1 throughout the study. Colonic venous PGE2 concentration was increased above BL value from 3 to 6 hours in horses of both groups. Colonic venous TXB2 concentration was not different between groups but was significantly increased above the BL value for the first hour of reperfusion. Low-flow I-R of the large colon caused significant mucosal necrosis, hemorrhage, edema, and neutrophil infiltration; however, there were no differences in histological variables between vehicle-control and PAF antagonist-treated horses. Conclusion—No protective effects of PAF antagonist L-691,880 were observed on colonic mucosa associated with low-flow I-R. Additionally, deleterious drug-induced effects on hemodynamic and metabolic variables and colonic mucosal injury were not observed.

The aim of the study was to determine if horses with large colon impaction were more severely affected by oral pathology than control cases and to relate faecal particle size distribution to dental pathology in both study groups. A prospective study included 39 horses with large colon impaction and 72 control horses from a hospital-based population. An oral pathology score (OPscore) and periodontal disease index (PDI) were assigned to all horses and faecal samples were collected for estimating faecal particle size and analysis of particle size distribution. Horses with large colon impactions were not more severely affected by oral pathology than control horses for both OPscore (P = 0.2) and PDI (P = 0.3). Faecal particle size estimates were significantly higher in control animals (P

Objective—To compare the outcome of horses with nephrosplenic entrapment of the large colon (NSELC) that were treated nonsurgically by IV administration of phenylephrine and exercise with that of horses treated by IV administration of phenylephrine and a rolling procedure under general anesthesia. Design—Retrospective case series. Animals—88 horses with NSELC. Procedures—Horses examined between 2004 and 2010 because of acute abdominal pain that had NSELC on the basis of findings on abdominal palpation per rectum, abdominal ultrasonography, or both were included. Medical records were reviewed to obtain information on treatment (IV administration of phenylephrine and exercise vs IV administration of phenylephrine and a rolling procedure) and outcome. Results—Overall, 85% (75/88) of horses with NSELC responded to exercise or rolling under general anesthesia. The success rate of rolling under general anesthesia (42/50 [84%]) was significantly higher than the success rate of exercise after IV administration of phenylephrine (24/38 [63.2%]). Resolution of NSELC was achieved by rolling under general anesthesia in 8 of 14 horses that initially failed to resolve with exercise. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—A rolling procedure performed under general anesthesia had a higher success rate than exercise after IV phenylephrine administration for resolution of NSELC in horses, suggesting that rolling could be considered as the initial medical treatment. The rolling procedure may be labor intensive and should only be attempted in a surgical facility in the event that exploratory laparotomy is required

Colonic luminal pressure (median, range) measured during ventral midline celiotomy in 69 horses with strangulating obstruction (SO) of the large colon (SO; > or = 270 degrees large colon volvulus; 27 cm H2O: 2 to 80 cm H2O) was greater (P = .0023) than that measured in 37 horses with nonstrangulating obstruction (NSO) of the large colon (NSO; < or = 180 degrees volvulus or a nonstrangulating displacement; 18 cm H2O; 6 to 46 cm H2O). Sixty-five percent (45 of 69) of horses with SO and all horses with NSO survived. Survival analysis was restricted to 59 horses with large-colon SO that survived to hospital discharge or met the criteria specified for classification as nonsurvivors. Colonic luminal pressure in nonsurvivors (48.5 cm H2O; 34 to 80 cm H2O) was higher (P =.0001) than that measured in survivors (18 cm H2O; 2 to 50 cm H2O) of SO. From response operating characteristic curves, a luminal pressure of 38 cm H2O optimized the distribution of horses with SO into survivor and nonsurvivor groups. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for a colonic luminal pressure greater than 38 cm H2O in predicting nonsurvival were 0.89, 0.91, 0.72 and 0.97, respectively. Measurement of colonic luminal pressure may be useful for predicting survival in horses with colonic volvulus.

Hypodynamic gastrointestinal disorders in horses and cattle that are thought to benefit from treatment with drugs restoring and coordinating gastrointestinal motility include postoperative ileus and large colon impaction in the horse and displacement of the abomasum and dilatation of the cecum in cattle. Important physiologic, pathophysiologic and pharmacologic mechanisms involved in the intrinsic control of gastrointestinal motility include cholinergic, adrenergic, dopaminergic, serotoninergic, and opioid-mediated pathways. Preliminary results suggest that cisapride, acting on 5-Hydroxytryptamine receptors, might be useful for treatment of idiopathic postoperative ileus and the alpha 2-adrenoceptor blocking agent yohimbine for endotoxic postoperative ileus. Naloxone, an opioid antagonist, and neostigmine, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, are thought to restore motility of the large colon in cases of large colon impaction in the horse. Bethanechol and neostigmine significantly increase myoelectric activity of the cecum and proximal loop of the ascending colon in healthy cows. Investigations of the effects of prokinetic drugs on displacement of the abomasum of cattle do not allow any conclusions because no results derived from controlled experimental disease models are available.

Foram revisados os casos de abdômen agudo de origem gastrintestinal em equídeos atendidos no Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, em Patos, Paraíba. No período de janeiro de 2001 a dezembro de 2010. Setenta (4,5%) do total de 1542 equídeos atendidos no período apresentaram quadro clínico de cólica, sendo 60 equinos, cinco muares e cinco asininos. A compactação de cólon maior foi a causa mais frequente de cólica, diagnosticada em 37,14% dos casos, seguida por compactação de cólon menor (10%) e corpo estranho de cólon menor (7,14%). Em quatro casos as cólicas foram causadas pela presença de fitobezoares no intestino grosso, sendo dois deles associados ao consumo de vagens de Prosopis juliflora. Em cinco casos foi observada a presença de corpos estranhos no cólon menor e em um caso os corposestranhos foram encontrados no cólon maior, sendo principalmente sacos plásticos. As lesões estrangulantes do intestino delgado foram observadas em quatro casos. Outras causas foram cólica espasmódica (dois casos por parasitose e dois por ingestão de resíduos domiciliares), sobrecarga gástrica (três casos) e deslocamento de cólon maior que foi diagnosticado em dois animais. Laceração de cólon menor, torção de ceco, compactação de ceco e timpanismo por consumo de Manihot esculenta foram diagnosticados em uma única ocasião. O principal fator de risco para o desenvolvimento de cólicas foi o consumo de Pennisetum purpureum, Brachiaria decumbens, Sorghum spp. ou Echinochloa polystachya picados manualmente ou em picotadeira ou triturados em forrageira (OR=4,03; P=0,007). Como resultado da baixa qualidade dos alimentos ingeridos, a frequência dos atendimentos de equídeos portadores de cólica foi significativamente maior no segundo semestre (época da seca na região estudada) (OR=2,61; P

O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a ação da hidratação enteral (HET), da hidratação intravenosa (IV) e da sene, associada à hidratação intravenosa (SEN), no tratamento da compactação do cólon maior, em equinos. Foram utilizados 15 animais, divididos em três grupos de cinco, cada. Os animais eram portadores de compactação do cólon maior, induzida experimentalmente. O grupo HET recebeu solução isotônica poliônica enteral (8 mL kg^-1 h^-1,durante 48 horas); o grupo SEN foi tratado com sene (20 mg kg^-1, duas doses de 24/24 h), mais Ringer lactato i.v. (10 mL kg^-1 h^-1 12h^-1, durante dois dias) e ao grupo IV foi administrado Ringer lactato i.v. (16 mL kg^-1 h^-1 12h^-1, durante dois dias). O tratamento HET ocasionou maior amolecimento das fezes e desfez a compactação em menor tempo. Entretanto, foi observada hipomotilidade intestinal mais prolongada. O tratamento SEN normalizou mais rapidamente a motilidade intestinal, porém o tempo necessário para desfazer a compactação foi maior. Além disso, ocasionou o maior aumento na distensão abdominal e no grau da dor, assim como a menor capacidade para reverter a desidratação. O tratamento do grupo IV debelou a compactação, igualmente ao HET, e a hipomotilidade intestinal, em menor tempo, mas foi o que menos amoleceu as fezes. Concluiu-se que os tratamentos IV e HET foram os mais eficientes na terapia da compactação, induzida no cólon maior, em equinos. O grupo SEN foi eficiente, porém, foi o que apresentou os efeitos adversos mais importantes. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of senna associated with intravenous fluid therapy (SEN), isotonic polionic enteral solution (PE) and intravenous fluid therapy (IV) alone in the treatment of experimental large colon impaction in horses. Fifteen horses with experimentally induced colon impaction were divided in three groups: Group PE received the isotonic polionic enteral solution (8 mL kg^-1 h^-1,during 48 h); Group SEN received senna (20 mg kg^-1, two doses with 24 h interval) + Ringer lactate i.v. (10 mL kg^-1 h^-1 12 h^-1, for two days); and Group IV received Ringer lactate i.v. (16 mL kg^-1 h^-1 12 h^-1, for two days). The treatment protocol of group PE increased fecal hydration and helped remove impaction faster; however, prolonged intestinal hypomotility were observed. The treatment protocol SEN normalized the intestinal motility faster; however the time required to remove impaction was higher and caused higher increase in abdominal distention and pain, as well as less capacity to revert dehydration. The treatment used for group IV removed the impaction, similarly to PE, and stimulated intestinal motility faster; however, it was the treatment that promoted less fecal hydration. The results showed that the treatments used in groups PE and IV were more efficient for the treatment of induced colon impaction in horses. The group SEN was also efficient, but showed the most important adverse effects.

Objective To determine the success of medical management of suspected displacement of the ascending (large) colon in horses. Study Design Retrospective case series. Animals Horses (n = 127) with suspected large colon displacement. Methods Medical records (January 1998–September 2008) of horses admitted for colic were reviewed. Suspected large colon displacement was diagnosed from clinical examination and in some cases, subsequent surgical examination. Medically managed horses were exercised and administered intravenous fluids and analgesia. Horses with suspected left dorsal displacement (LDD) of the large colon were also administered phenylephrine. Results Medical management had a high success rate for treatment of suspected right dorsal displacement (RDD) (64%) and LDD (76%) of the large colon; 4 horses died (1) or were euthanatized (3) and 36 horses had surgery. Of 127 horses treated medically or surgically for a colon displacement, 94% survived to hospital discharge. Conclusions Horses with suspected RDD or LDD of the large colon may respond to medical management including exercise.

This study aimed to evaluate and compare physical and hematological alterations in equines submitted to an experimental model of intestinal obstruction. Twenty-four animals were divided into four groups: instrumented control (GI), duodenum obstruction (GII), ileum obstruction (GIII), and large colon obstruction (GIV). Physical examination was carried out and blood samples were collected before surgery (T0), during the obstruction (T1i, T2i and T3i), and after unblocking procedures (T3r, T24r, T72r, T120r and T168r). Animals from GII, at T2i and T3i, and animals from GIII, at T1i, T2i, T3i and T3r, presented signs of abdominal pain, reduced gastrointestinal sounds and increased heart and respiratory rates, as well as leukopenia and neutropenia, which later (T24r and T72r) developed to leukocytosis, neutrophilia and left shifts. From T120r up, gradual and continuous decrease of leucocytes counts was observed indicating, similarly to Clinical characteristics, the resolution of organic dysfunction associated to obstruction. The results were associated to enteric injury from the obstruction model showing that some laboratorial alterations when analyzed, including physical examination, can be helpful at identifying which intestinal segment is blocked, drawing up the prognosis and following the evolution of the healing process. KEYWORDS: Equine, hemogram, colic, ischemia, reperfusion.