Partial gastrectomy and total splenectomy for the treatment of a gastric mass in a horse

Abstract

A 9-year-old cob mare with a history of recurrent colic presented during an acute colic episode. Ultrasonography revealed a mass emanating from the greater curvature of the stomach and was tightly adhered to the cranial edge of the spleen. Partial gastrectomy and total splenectomy were performed via a midline celiotomy incision. The mass was subsequently confirmed to be granulomatous inflammation, postulated to be secondary to a penetrating injury to the stomach. Post-operatively, the mare had episodes of recurrent colic that were successfully managed with optimisation of the horse's diet and feeding regime. At 10 months' post-operatively the mare was managed on full turn out, with no evidence of colic and had returned to the previous level of ridden work. The horse then presented 14 months post-operatively with severe colic due to a large colon impaction and displacement and was euthanased. This is the first report to describe successful partial gastrectomy as a treatment option for a gastric mass in the horse. Clinical findings at presentationThe horse was in good general body condition (BCS 3/5, 517 kg), and was quiet, alert, and responsive. Heart rate was 48 beats/min, respiratory rate was 8 breaths/min, and rectal temperature was 37.8°C. Mucous membranes were pale 1 Joint last author.

Gastric squamous cell carcinoma in the horse: Seven cases (2009–2019)

“…Partial gastrectomy has been described in a horse for a granulomatous tissue, but this surgery is probably not recommended because of the high rate of metastasis of GSSC (Voss et al . 2018).…”

Recurrent colic and abdominal masses in horses – diagnostic and therapeutic challenges

“…Similar to the case described by Voss et al . () in this issue, the mass could not be definitively attributed to the stomach or spleen. A gastrointestinal origin was suspected as the central hyperechoic line (arrow) within the predominantly hypoechoic mass was thought to represent a gas‐filled lumen.…”

“…The case report by Voss et al . () in this issue describes the diagnostic approach, surgical treatment and outcome of a horse with a granulomatous gastric mass of suspected traumatic origin causing recurrent colic. The case report is interesting from a number of perspectives.…”