Evaluation of colic surgery in horses

Colic has long been a source of concern and frustration for horse owners and veterinarians alike, and it continues to represent a major clinical emergency today. It remains the leading cause of death in horses. Advances in medical, anesthetic, and surgical techniques, as well as in the diagnosis of colic over the past three decades, have significantly improved the prognosis for affected horses. For instance, horses suffering from severe forms of colic, such as large colon volvulus, can have an excellent prognosis if treated in the early stages of the disease. Despite the proven effectiveness of colic surgery abroad, its practice remains limited in Turkey, and no comprehensive evaluation of its outcomes has been conducted locally. Therefore, the proposed study holds original significance. This research gains further importance considering the high economic value and vital function of purebred horses in Turkey. The study retrospectively evaluates data from 50 colic surgeries performed on purebred horses between 2017 and 2023 at Dörtnal Veterinary Clinic, located in Mahmudiye, Eskişehir. Physical data such as age, sex, breed, and body weight were extracted from the clinical records and formatted for analysis. Pre-operative parameters (heart rate, PO₂, PCO₂, HCO₃, intestinal peristalsis, body temperature, CRT, mucous membrane color, abdominal ultrasonography, gastric reflux, rectal palpation, Lactate, WBC, HCT, and Glucose levels), intra-operative parameters (Heart rate, SpO₂, Respiratory rate, Capnography, Surgical techniques, diagnosis of colic type, body temperature), and post-operative parameters (recovery time, heart rate, PO₂, PCO₂, HCO₃, post-operative ileus, CRT, mucous membranes, abdominal ultrasonography, gastric reflux, post-operative complications, lactate, WBC, HCT, and glucose levels) were analyzed. The normality of the data distribution was assessed using the t-test, while chi-square analysis was used for evaluating age, sex, breed, and colic surgery variables. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. According to the findings, the post-operative survival rate was determined to be 70%. Higher mortality rates were particularly noted in cases involving strangulating intestinal volvulus and intussusception. Significant decreases were observed in glucose, lactate, hematocrit, and hemoglobin levels within 24 hours after surgery. These changes were attributed to the fluid therapy administered, restoration of metabolic balance, and reduction in systemic stress. Blood gas analysis showed a significant increase in pH and PO₂ levels, indicating improved respiratory function, while a decrease in PCO₂ suggested normalization of acid-base balance. Marked improvement in colon and cecum motility was observed in the post-operative period, reflecting the functional recovery of the gastrointestinal tract. Intra-operative improvements were also seen in key physiological indicators such as heart rate, respiratory rate, and capillary refill time. These results demonstrate that colic surgery not only extends survival but also contributes significantly to restoring physiological stability. Early intervention and the application of appropriate surgical techniques play a critical role in preserving the vital and economic value of purebred horses. The frequency of post-operative complications and the clinical responses to these events were also noteworthy.