Clinical findings and management of 153 horses with large colon sand accumulations.

Objective: To determine the influence of radiographic quantification of sand accumulation on the medical versus surgical management of large colon sand accumulations. To compare short- and long-term outcomes and complications associated with medical and surgical management of these horses.
Study Design: Retrospective.
Sample Population: A total of 153 horses.
Methods: Medical records and abdominal radiographs of horses presented for colic between 2004 and 2014 were reviewed. Severity of sand accumulation was quantified by tracing and measuring a region of interest with a commercial software program. Breed, weight, amount of sand, presence of diarrhea at presentation, treatment, and the development of complications were recorded.
Results: Records from 153 horses were reviewed. The mean cross-sectional area of sand accumulation was 692.9 cm ² (median = 658.7 cm ² , 84.6-1780.7 cm ² ). Increased accumulation of gas on radiographs and abnormal transrectal examination findings were associated with an increased likelihood of surgery. The most common complication was the development of diarrhea (20.3%) with only 4 (2.6%) horses positive for Salmonella spp. Horses had a favorable prognosis, with 94.8% of horses treated medically and 94.7% of those treated surgically surviving to discharge.
Conclusion: Increased accumulation of gas on radiographs and transrectal palpation of impaction or intestinal gas distension increase the likelihood of surgery. Both medical and surgical treatments carry a good prognosis.
Clinical Relevance: The sheer quantity of sand is not a factor when determining surgical intervention. Attention should be paid to the presence of increased gas accumulation on rectal or radiographic examination.
(© 2017 The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.)