Intramural hematoma in the jejunum as a cause of colics in horses

Abstract

SummaryColics in horses are a common problem, which can be life-threatening for the animal, depending on the type and severity of the disease. The case described in this article concerns surgically treated intramural hematoma of the jejunum in a 3-year-old Arabian mare. Medial laparotomy was performed in dorsal recumbency under general anesthesia. During the exploration of the abdominal cavity, highly filled intestinal loops were found along with intramural hematoma located in the jejunum. A resection of the intestinal part with extravasation was performed, and the content of the small intestine was evacuated. The postoperative treatment consisted of intravenous and general antibiotic therapy as well as intensive fluid therapy for the next 5 days. The abdominal cavity was flushed two times a day with a warm physiological solution containing heparin. After 3 days the drain was removed. After the treatment the mare returned to full health.

Intramural jejunal haematoma in an Arabian mare as a cause of colic: Clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment

“…Intestinal intramural haematoma is an uncommon condition in horses, described only in few previous reports 1,3–5,8 . Most of the cases involve the small colon, but three did involve the small intestine 1–3 .…”

“…The mare underwent resection of the segment and anastomosis, and recovered well. Although definitive diagnosis of the pathology is made by histopathology, a tentative diagnosis was reported by ultrasonography as well 3 …”

“…Intestinal intramural haematoma is an uncommon condition in horses, described only in few previous reports. 1,[3][4][5]8 Most of the cases involve the small colon, but three did involve the small intestine. [1][2][3] Kobluk and Smith reported on a mare in which intramural haematoma in the jejunum (40 cm) was found and resected in surgery.…”

“…Intramural haematoma of the small intestines, as a cause for colic in horses, is a rare condition scarcely described in the literature 1–3 …”

“…Intramural haematoma of the small intestines, as a cause for colic in horses, is a rare condition scarcely described in the literature. [1][2][3] Intramural or submucosal haematomas of the small colon were described previously as a cause of colic in horses, 4,5 and comprise less than 1% of surgical colics. 6 Some of the horses present signs of small colon obstruction, including gas distention and decreased faecal production.…”