Jejunoileal anastomosis following small intestinal resection in horses: seven cases (1999-2001).
OBJECTIVE
To report the postoperative outcome in horses undergoing jejunoileal anastomosis performed with a 2-layer simple continuous technique.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
7 horses.


METHODS
Information regarding signalment, clinical signs, findings at surgery, and postoperative complications was obtained from medical records of horses that underwent exploratory ventral midline celiotomy, small intestinal resection, and jejunoileal anastomosis to correct various small intestinal strangulating lesions. Follow-up information was obtained via telephone conversations with owners or trainers.


RESULTS
Six males and 1 female of various breeds aged 10 months to 27 years and weighing 312 to 785 kg (686.4 to 1,727 lb) were included. The most common complications were mild to moderate tachycardia and mild to moderate signs of abdominal pain. Two horses developed incisional infections and soft, fluctuant swelling at the incision site following resolution of the infection. Follow-up time ranged from 7 to 17 months after surgery. Owners reported no further colic episodes and no diet change necessary following surgery. All horses had returned to their intended level of use.


CONCLUSIONS
Advantages to the jejunoileal technique include maintaining the normal ileocecal valve and a postoperative recovery period similar to that described following other small intestinal anastomoses. Jejunoileal anastomosis is a viable alternative to ileal bypass. This technique appears to result in a postoperative complication rate similar to that reported following jejunojejunostomy procedures.
Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610, USA.
Dawn A
DA
Loesch
Dwayne H
DH
Rodgerson
Gregory R
GR
Haines
Bruce C
BC
Watt
D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D006736:Horses; D007082:Ileum / Q000601:surgery*; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D007583:Jejunum / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000662:veterinary*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013610:Tachycardia / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary; D016896:Treatment Outcome