Ponies, miniatures, and young equids are at higher risk of fecalith obstruction

Ponies, miniatures, and younger equids are at higher risk of fecalith obstruction compared to a general colic population

J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2024 Feb 7:1-9. doi: 10.2460/javma.23.09.0520. Online ahead of print.
Authors
Mitja Miklavcic 1 , Julie E Dechant 2 , Isabelle Kilcoyne 2
Affiliations

1 1William R. Prichard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA.
2 2Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA.

PMID: 38324997
DOI: 10.2460/javma.23.09.0520

Abstract

Objective: To determine breed, age, and sex predispositions for fecalith obstruction and to evaluate short-term survival and prognostic factors following surgical treatment of fecalith intestinal obstruction in equids.

Animals: 151 equids.

Methods: Medical records of equids undergoing surgery for fecalith obstruction from 2000 to 2020 were reviewed. Signalment, history, presenting clinicopathological data, surgical findings, complications, and short-term survival were recorded and compared between survivors and nonsurvivors. Signalment of the fecalith population was compared to a contemporaneous colic population. Clinical factors were assessed for association with outcome.

Results: 64 females, 53 castrated males, and 31 intact males were included. Three equids presented twice. Miniature horses, ponies, and miniature donkeys/mules represented 48% (71/148) of fecalith population and full-sized breeds represented 52% (77/148). Miniature horses and ponies were overrepresented and equids ≤ 1 year of age were overrepresented in the fecalith population compared to the colic population. One hundred thirty-nine equids (92%) survived to discharge, 6% (9/148) were euthanized intraoperatively, and 2% (3/148) were euthanized during hospitalization. Nonsurvivors showed more severe colic signs on admission, tachycardia on admission, and hyperlipemia. Equids with postoperative colic (P = .01) and complications (P = .002) were less likely to survive.

Clinical relevance: Miniature horses and ponies were overrepresented compared to the colic population; however, full-sized breeds were also affected. Surgical treatment had an excellent short-term prognosis. Severe colic signs, tachycardia, hyperlipemia, postoperative colic, and surgical complications negatively affected short-term survival.

Keywords: colic; equid; fecalith; obstruction; surgical.