SEPTEMBER 2011 THE RIDER /9
UF equine veterinarians share findings at colic symposium
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — From pain management to disease diagnosis to postoperative recovery rates, University of Florida veterinarians are advancing knowledge about equine colic, the No. 1 cause of premature death in horses. Drs. David Freeman, Ali Morton, Chris Sanchez, Astrid Grosche, Abel Ekiri and Johanna Elfenbein shared findings from several studies related to this important disease during the 2011 Colic Symposium, held July 26-28 in Indi- anapolis.
Colic refers to diseases that cause abdominal pain, usually originating from an obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract. The sooner colic is treated, either medically or surgically by a veterinarian, the better the chance of survival.
One study by Freeman and his colleagues focused on survival after small intestinal surgery, which can be the most challenging type of colic surgery. The researchers concluded that recovery from a “twisted” small intestine following surgery is far better than previously reported.
“This is significant, because this report shows a favorable long-term survival rate after one of the most difficult types of colic surgery, and that this surgery can allow horses to live a full and normal life,” Freeman said.
Freeman also reported that long-term recovery after small intestinal surgery for strangulating dis- eases is affected by the type of disease that causes the problem to occur.
“This type of information allows us to deliver more accurate prognoses, and ultimately to devise treatment plans likely to have better outcomes,” Freeman said.
Two studies looked at the effects of various drugs used for pain management in healing of the large intestine after ischemia and in critically ill, hospitalized horses. Researchers concluded that flu- nixin meglumine (known as Banamine), a nons- teroidal anti-inflammatory medication that helps with pain and inflammation, can still help manage pain without inhibiting healing of the large intestine. This finding is important because it is the opposite of what has been found in similar studies in the small intestine.
Another study examined the effects of two analgesics commonly used to treat horses with colic, N-butylscopolammonium bromide (known as Bus- copan) and xylazine (known as Rompum), and found that both medications can have effects on heart rate, blood pressure, and intestinal motility and these effects should be taken into consideration when evaluating and treating horses with colic. In another study, the scientists also found that ketamine, a drug used to treat severe pain in horses, slows movement of a test marker through the gut. This knowledge enables improved monitoring and treatment.
In a study looking at the relationship between salmonella infection and colic, researchers found abnormalities in blood values that help predict which horses are infected with these bacteria. This
W.H.A.O. Continued from Page 8.
Anniversary of the WHAO? We are currently in the planning stages for some great events next year and are looking for major sponsors and volunteers. If you would like to lend a hand to help WHAO cele- brate their 60th Anniversary, please let me know. We can use any help that is offered!
Don’t forget to purchase your raffle ticket. Brody Johnston has donated his artistic services to help the WHAO raise money for year end awards. The winner of the draw will receive a custom sketch of your horse from Brody. If you haven’t seen his work, there are samples on the WHAO facebook page.
Are you on twitter? So is WHAO. Follow us @official_whao. If there are any last minute notifi- cations (ie. Show delay, cancel etc) can be posted on there and our Facebook page. Be sure to “like” Western Horse Association of Ontario on Facebook too!
Hope to see you all at the next show.
information helps veterinarians initi- ate appropriate treatment and take necessary precautions to prevent transmission to other animals. Finally, researchers presented findings indicating that a high red blood cell count occurs commonly in horses with liver disease. Previously, a high red blood cell count was pri- marily linked to liver cancer, but the study demonstrated that this finding can occur with many other types of liver disease as well.
The symposium is held once every three years to bring together leading veterinary researchers, practi- tioners, residents and graduate stu- dents from around the world to share knowledge about equine colic. Anyone seeking more informa- tion about the Island Whirl Colic Research Laboratory at the UF Col- lege of Veterinary Medicine, or seek- ing to make an appointment should call the UF Large Animal Hospital at 352-392-2229.
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