Use of transabdominal ultrasonography in the acute abdomen: Has it really revolutionised our colic work‐ups?

Waxman, Sarah J

doi:10.1111/eve.12931

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 16 publications

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“…The technique can be helpful in the diagnosis of several gastrointestinal conditions, including gastric distension, colonic displacement and volvulus, and small intestinal distension (Abutarbush, 2006; Beccati et al, 2011; Busoni et al, 2011; Grenager & Durham, 2011; Klohnen et al, 1996; Ness et al, 2012; Pease et al, 2004; Santschi & Frank, 1993). A rapid ultrasonographic evaluation (FLASH: Fast Localised Abdominal Sonography of the Horse) (Busoni et al, 2011), that can be completed in less than 15 min, is frequently performed to aid in the decision‐making process to differentiate between medical and surgical colic cases (Fairburn, 2017; Naylor, 2015; Waxman, 2020).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ultrasonographic identification of mesenteric lipomatosis in a Shetland mare with recurrent colic episodes

Lesca

Fairburn

Fitzharris

et al. 2022

Equine Veterinary Education

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An obese 17-year-old Shetland pony mare with a history of recurrent colic episodes was presented for investigation of colic signs of a few hours' duration associated with marked tachycardia. Transabdominal ultrasonography identified a large amount of multilobulated tissue that was hypoechoic to the adjacent retroperitoneal fat within the caudal and ventral abdomen; this could be seen extending dorsally into the mid-abdomen between intestinal structures. At exploratory laparotomy, a lipoma at the mesenteric attachment of the mid-jejunum (considered likely to have caused intermittent extraluminal compression) as well as excessively thick layers of fat in the mesentery of both small and large intestine (compatible with lipomatosis) were identified. The lipoma was removed. Post-operative recovery was uneventful. A strict diet was enforced, resulting in marked weight loss over the 12-week post-surgery period. Follow-up abdominal ultrasound examination identified a reduction in the thickness of the retroperitoneal fat layer and the abnormal multilobulated tissue. This is the first case report detailing the ultrasonographic findings in a case of extensive mesenteric lipomatosis in a pony and describing the ultrasonographic improvement following a weight loss programme.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ultrasonographic identification of mesenteric lipomatosis in a Shetland mare with recurrent colic episodes

Lesca

Fairburn

Fitzharris

et al. 2022

Equine Veterinary Education

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Preliminary study to evaluate the use of fast abdominal ultrasonography of horses with colic in first opinion ambulatory practice

Corrie,

Chapman,

Schofield

et al. 2024

Equine Veterinary Education

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SummaryBackgroundColic is the commonest emergency in first opinion equine practice. Early referral is important for horses requiring surgery. Fast localised abdominal ultrasonography of horses (FLASH) is frequently used as a diagnostic tool in the investigation of colic at referral hospitals, but its use in first opinion practice has not been evaluated.ObjectiveTo assess the value of FLASH scanning in the primary assessment of horses with colic in the field, using a portable wireless ultrasound system.Study designProspective study (2018–2021).MethodsAny horse examined for colic as an emergency in a first opinion ambulatory practice was eligible for inclusion in the study. A FLASH examination was performed using a wireless handheld ultrasound scanner, with the images displayed on a smartphone or tablet. The findings on FLASH scans and the outcome of the case (recovered, referred for surgery or euthanised without referral) were recorded.ResultsIn total, 135 equids with acute colic were evaluated. Of the 135 horses, 49 (36%) had an abnormal finding on FLASH scanning, including distended loops of small intestine (n = 34), thickened small intestinal walls (n = 23) and/or distension of the stomach (n = 7). Reduced small intestinal motility was recorded in 52 animals (38%). Follow‐up information was available in all animals: 50 (37%) were euthanised due to clinical deterioration and the owners' decision not to undertake surgery; 85/135 (63%) survived, including 5/85 (6%) that underwent surgery and 80/85 (94%) that resolved with medical management.Main limitationsSmall number of cases. Lack of results of post‐mortem examination of horses that were euthanised. Potential selection bias.ConclusionThe FLASH technique can be valuable in the primary assessment of horses with colic in first opinion ambulatory practice. Further evaluation with more cases is required.

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Assessment of diagnostic markers and surgical outcome in horses treated for intestinal colic

SINGH,

KHOSA,

ANAND

et al. 2024

Indian J of Anim Sci

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To support the decision-making process for the surgical intervention in equine patients suffering from intestinal colic, the present clinical study was conducted on ten horses (5 males and 5 females) aged 3 months to 8 years. An exploratory celiotomy was performed on patients with moderate to severe persistent abdominal pain, a lack of response to treatment, and the absence of intestinal borborygmi. Preoperative physical assessment (heart rate, respiration rate, mucus membrane perfusion, capillary refill time), haemato-biochemical analysis, and peritoneal fluid analysis helped in reaching a decision for surgical intervention as diagnostic indicators. Pre- and post-operative ultrasonography was also performed on the patients. Blood lactate level was significantly higher in non-survivors (9.94 mmol/L) than in survivors (4.32 mmol/L). In survivors, peritoneal fluid showed an increase in degenerative neutrophils, and total protein, and there was a decrease in lactate level post-operatively. Presence of small colon fecolith (n=4) was determined to be the primary cause of colic, followed by pelvic flexure impaction (n=2), caecum impaction (n=1) and right dorsal displacement of large colon (RDDLC) (n=1). Strangulating lesions such as small intestinal volvulus (n=2) was also recorded. The most common post-operative complication was sub-cutaneous seroma (n=2) which subsided on its own in a week or so. Surgical interventions helped to save the lives of 50% of the patients who were successfully discharged from the hospital; remarkably, all of them survived and returned to their normal functionality, as observed in the long-term follow-up.

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Use of transabdominal ultrasonography in the acute abdomen: Has it really revolutionised our colic work‐ups?

Cited by 3 publications

References 16 publications

Ultrasonographic identification of mesenteric lipomatosis in a Shetland mare with recurrent colic episodes

Ultrasonographic identification of mesenteric lipomatosis in a Shetland mare with recurrent colic episodes

Preliminary study to evaluate the use of fast abdominal ultrasonography of horses with colic in first opinion ambulatory practice

Assessment of diagnostic markers and surgical outcome in horses treated for intestinal colic

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