Surgical correction of nephrosplenic entrapment of the large colon in 3 horses via standing left flank laparotomy.

OBJECTIVE

To describe a technique for surgical correction of nephrosplenic entrapment via standing left flank laparotomy.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series.

ANIMALS

Horses (n = 3).

METHODS

Nephrosplenic entrapment was diagnosed by abdominal palpation per rectum in all 3 horses and confirmed by transabdominal ultrasonography in 2 horses. Duration of colic was variable and failed to resolve after medical management, phenylephrine administration, and jogging. With sedation and local analgesia, standing left flank laparotomy using a modified grid approach was performed to correct the entrapment. Follow-up information was obtained by telephone communication with trainers or owners.

RESULTS

Nephrosplenic entrapment was successfully corrected in all horses; postoperative fever occurred in 1 horse. Horses were discharged after 48-72 hours and returned to previous use within 30 days.

CONCLUSION

Standing flank laparotomy is an alternative for horses with nephrosplenic entrapment unresponsive to medical therapy when general anesthesia and exploratory celiotomy are not an option because of financial constraints or a high anesthetic risk. This approach leads to a favorable outcome, reduces hospital stay and associated costs and leads to a rapid return to function.