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  Discussion on Nephrosplenic Entrapment in a yearling
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New Member:
sam1128

Posted on Tuesday, Feb 10, 2009 - 1:20 am:

My 11 month old gelding had colic surgery last night. He was uncomfortable in the morning so we gave him banamine and walked him. He got comfortable for 5 hours and then started to get painful again. We took him to the clinic and they felt a nephrosplenic entrapment on a rectal exam. They also saw evidence on ultrasound. They did all his bloodwork and belly tap. Everything was normal. His heartrate was 48. They put him in a stall and gave him fluids as well as phenalaphrine. He was ok for 3 hours and then he got uncomfortable and went to surgery.no other problems no sand and he woke up fine.

My question is, that I have read that phenalaphrine and excercise can help. Why was that not mentioned? I opted not to roll because of the rupture possibility and also that I had insurance.
Is this at all usual in a horse this young? She said she felt like the "space" was a little large for him. So does that mean he could have another issue?

Also, does this have anything to do with his feed? He only gets bermuda and timothy along with his proadvantage lo carb from progressive and a little ultium. Should I stop the Ultium?

I just feel for my guy as he is so young and having to go through this and I feel like I want to make sure I can do anything to not have this happen again!

He is a very large baby, probably 14.3 and 800 pounds, and I am also concerned with his stiches healing well. He is to be a hunter breeding horse and he can't have any blemishes. Is there anything I can do to help the healing?

Sorry for the book, I just fell like maybe he didn't need surgery and now I have all of this to deal with.
Also is there any long acting tranquilizer that is safe for a baby so I can actually walk him without getting trampled or him getting loose?
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, Feb 10, 2009 - 8:57 am:

Welcome Samantha,
Sorry to hear about your foal I know it was a late night last night.

Without surgery it could recur Suzanne, with surgery that chance is much less, so you can feel good about this. As to the comments and actions made by others you will have to speak to them as to the meaning and whys but these are valid questions.

I have never seen an age factor associated with nephrosplenic entrapment. Other than kepst clean and dry there should be no particular care of the sutures as long as they stay in place. I am sure you have some post-op instructions on exercise and follow those by all means. The best thing you can do is monitor the sutures carefully so any problems are identified early and taken care.

We discuss this problem with stall resting horses at Training & Conditioning Horses » Behavioral Problems » Stall Resting Horses, see the Medication topic.
DrO
New Member:
sam1128

Posted on Wednesday, Feb 11, 2009 - 1:07 am:

He got uncomfortable again this morning. The vet said he has a small impaction. That have had him on fluid and they are just waiting for him to pass manure. Is there anything else we can do? How long can this go on for? Is this a commom problem after a colic surgery? Whats weird is the day after the surgery he was passing wet manure.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, Feb 11, 2009 - 6:23 am:

Yes Samantha,
you should try and relax a bit I know when in the middle of these things you feel it is going on forever but it has been just a little over a day now. Post surgical colic is very common and often due to mild or moderate impactions.

While we cannot give specific advice we do have recommendations for treating impactions at Diseases of Horses » Colic, Diarrhea, GI Tract » Colic in Horses » An Overview of Colic under the Treatment for Medical Colics subtopic.
DrO
Member:
leslie1

Posted on Wednesday, Feb 11, 2009 - 12:21 pm:

Hi Samantha
Thinking of you and your little guy...(hugs) It sounds like he is in good hands...
And get your rest now <grin> as Im sure you will need it when he gets home!
LeslieC
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