Comparison of surgical versus medical treatment of nephrosplenic entrapment of the large colon in horses: 19 cases (1992-2002).
OBJECTIVE
To compare the outcome of horses with nephrosplenic entrapment of the large colon (NSELC) treated surgically or medically by rolling, administration of phenylephrine hydrochloride (or both), and exercise.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
11 medically treated horses and 8 surgically treated horses with NSELC.


METHODS
Medical records of horses with nephrosplenic entrapment between 1992 and 2002 were reviewed. Medically treated horses were included if diagnosis and outcome of treatment of nephrosplenic entrapment were confirmed via transrectal examination and ultrasonographic examination. Surgically treated horses were included if the diagnosis was confirmed by exploratory laparotomy. Horses in which the large colon was entrapped between the spleen and body wall were not included.


RESULTS
Significant differences in mean age, heart rate, and duration of colic prior to treatment were not detected between horses treated surgically or medically. Ten medically treated horses recovered without complications, and 1 died. In the surgically treated group, 6 of 8 horses recovered without complications and 2 died. Mortality rate did not differ between treatments. Duration of hospitalization for medically treated horses was significantly shorter and the cost significantly less than for surgically treated horses.


CONCLUSIONS
Results indicated that medical treatment of horses with NSELC via administration of phenylephrine hydro-chloride, rolling during general anesthesia, or both appears to be as effective as and less expensive than surgical treatment.
Abutarbush
Sameeh M
SM
Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon SK S7N 5B4, Canada.
Naylor
Jonathan M
JM
D000818:Animals; D003085:Colic / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D003108:Colonic Diseases / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005260:Female; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery* / Q000628:therapy*; D006736:Horses; D006762:Hospitals, Animal / Q000191:economics; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D010656:Phenylephrine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010805:Physical Conditioning, Animal / Q000379:methods; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014102:Torsion Abnormality / Q000662:veterinary; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D010656:Phenylephrine