Rolling technique for treatment of left displacement of the large colon in horses: 11 cases (2004-2009)

Abstract

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.