Clinical features and management of equine postoperative ileus (POI): Survey of Diplomates of the European Colleges of Equine Internal Medicine (ECEIM) and Veterinary Surgeons (ECVS)

D Lefebvre, R S Pirie, I G Handel, W H Tremaine, N P H Hudson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract / Description of output

REASONS FOR PERFORMING THE STUDY: There is a need for an improved understanding of equine postoperative ileus (POI), both in terms of clinical definition and optimal management. Although the pharmacological strategies that are used to treat POI continue to evolve, little is known about the supplementary strategies used to prevent and manage this condition.

OBJECTIVES: To report the current strategies used to diagnose, prevent and manage POI following emergency abdominal surgeries.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross sectional survey.

METHODS: An electronic survey invitation was sent by email to 306 European college diplomates (European Colleges of Equine Internal Medicine, ECEIM n = 120, and Veterinary Surgeons, ECVS n = 186).

RESULTS: The response rate was 33% (100/306). The median reported estimated incidence of POI was 10-20%. The presence of reflux on nasogastric intubation was the main criterion used to define POI. Lesions involving the small intestine (SI) were thought to be the leading risk factors for developing POI. Anti-inflammatory drugs, antimicrobial drugs and intravenous fluids were the primary preventative strategies when managing patients at high risk for POI. Flunixin meglumine and lidocaine were the drugs most commonly used to treat horses with POI. Supplementary POI preventative and treatment strategies included control of endotoxaemia, fluid therapy, early ambulation and judicious timing of post-operative feeding.

CONCLUSIONS: Appreciation of the potential risk factors associated with the development of POI appeared to have an impact on the choice of management strategies that are implemented. The majority of ECEIM and ECVS Diplomates in the survey used flunixin meglumine and lidocaine, often in combination to treat horses with POI, likely reflecting the contributory role of inflammation in its pathophysiology. Various supplementary strategies were used to prevent and manage POI risk factors intra- and post-operatively.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)182-187
JournalEquine Veterinary Journal
Volume148
Issue number2
Early online date25 Sept 2014
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2016

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