Evaluation of exploratory laparotomy in young horses: 102 cases (1987-1992).
OBJECTIVE
To determine, in a population of young horses, whether a variation exists among neonates, sucklings, weanlings, and yearlings regarding recovery from anesthesia, short- and long-term survival rates, and postoperative adhesion formation following exploratory laparotomy.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
102 horses < 25 months old that underwent exploratory laparotomy.


METHODS
Pre-, intra-, and postoperative information was retrieved from medical records, conversations with referring veterinarians, owners, or trainers, and race records. Survival rates (recovery from anesthesia and short- and long-term survival) were compared with age, lesion type, lesion location, surgical procedure, and development of clinically important postoperative intestinal adhesions.


RESULTS
Of the 73 horses that recovered from anesthesia, 69 were available for follow-up. Of the 69 horses, 7 (10%) died of complications associated with formation of intestinal adhesions. Age did not affect incidence of adhesion formation, lesion type, lesion location, or surgical procedure performed. Long-term survival rate after surgery for correction of a small-intestinal lesion was 34%, whereas that after surgery for correction of a large-intestinal lesion was 65%.


CONCLUSIONS
Surgical treatment of colic in young horses resulted in survival rates that are similar to those reported for mature horses. The incidence of clinically important postoperative adhesions was greater than that found for young horses in earlier studies. This may be the result of the younger age of our study population. Alternatively, improvements in operative techniques and postoperative management may allow a larger percentage of horses to survive long term and develop complications such as adhesion formation.
Singer
E R
ER
Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Canada.
Livesey
M A
MA
D000758:Anesthesia / Q000662:veterinary; D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn / Q000601:surgery*; D000833:Animals, Suckling / Q000601:surgery*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006736:Horses / Q000601:surgery*; D015994:Incidence; D007410:Intestinal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000662:veterinary*; D007813:Laparotomy / Q000401:mortality / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000401:mortality / Q000662:veterinary; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015996:Survival Rate; D000267:Tissue Adhesions / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary; D014886:Weaning