Strangulating Large Colon Volvulus: A Diagnostic and Surgical Challenge in a Post-Partum Thoroughbred Mare

Abstract

An 11-year-old thoroughbred post-partum broodmare presented with the symptoms of colic. The physical and clinical examinations indicated a large colon displacement or volvulus. Immediate surgical intervention was performed, and a strangulating large colon volvulus (LCV) was defined as a volvulus of >540° in the counterclockwise direction. After correcting and assessing the gut viability, approximately 80% of the entire large colon was resected and anastomosed using an end-to-end technique. With supportive care after surgery, the horse regained its appetite and vitality without significant clinical complications and was discharged on postoperative day 9. This report presents the first surgical correction using a large colon resection and anastomosis (LCRA) and the critical care for a strangulating LCV in a horse in Korea. This case enhances the current knowledge of clinical LCV and the related considerations for treatment.