Digestion, fecal, and blood variables associated with extensive large colon resection in the horse

Nutritional alterations were evaluated in 9 horses before surgery and 3 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months (4 total trials) after sham operation (group 1; n = 3) or extensive large colon resection (group 2; n = 6). Feed and fecal analyses were performed to determine apparent digestion of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, manganese, zinc, copper, and iron, and true digestion of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, total plant cell wall, hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin. Additional fecal and metabolic variables included the percentage of fecal water (water in the feces), total fecal water, metabolic organic matter, metabolic crude protein, and metabolic nitrogen. A CBC and standard series of biochemical tests were performed. Large colon resection decreased (P less than 0.05) the true digestion of dietary crude protein and cellulose and apparent digestion of phosphorus, and it increased the fecal metabolic matter and water loss. Total fecal output increased 45% and total fecal water increased 55%. Phosphorus digestion was decreased (P less than 0.05) in group-2 horses, but effects of this were not detected on analysis of blood variables or on physical examination. Nevertheless, after extensive large colon resection, horses can regain body weight lost after surgery and have no overt physical changes when fed an alfalfa pellet diet that meets greater-than-maintenance requirements. Ad libitum water access is suggested, because these horses may have to consume 2 gal/day more than would normal horses.     

不同降雨年份和放牧方式对荒漠草原初级生产力及营养动态的影响

牧草品质直接体现了草地资源的质量和可利用性。本研究采用野外调查法对不同降雨年份和放牧方式下荒漠草原植物群落的地上净初级生产力(ANPP)、粗蛋白、粗纤维、粗灰分、粗脂肪、钙、磷和无氮浸出物进行了测定和分析。结果表明,1)在干旱的2011年,自由放牧显著降低了群落的ANPP,而在降雨量充足的2012年,休牧60 d的ANPP值最高;2)相比于欠雨年份,降雨量充足的年份生长高峰期ANPP、粗蛋白、粗灰分、钙和磷的含量分别是其的2.67,1.08,1.27,1.26和3.75倍;3)相比其他处理,粗蛋白、磷的含量在休牧60 d含量最高;4)在不同降雨量的两个放牧季节内,随着放牧的进行,粗蛋白、粗脂肪、粗灰分、钙和磷的含量呈现先增加后降低的趋势,均是在7或8月份达到一个峰值,而在植物枯黄期(10月份)值最低,而粗纤维和无氮浸出物的含量在7月份最低,而在植物枯黄期最高。降雨量与荒漠草原植物群落ANPP及植物群落营养季节动态之间存在着密切的关系;休牧60 d为合理的草原利用方式;不同年际间放牧和季节气候变化共同制约了群落营养成分的变化。     

Fiber digestion and voluntary intake in horses after adaptation to extensive large-colon resection

Each of 3 digestion trials (3 forage diets) was performed on 2 groups of horses 6 to 12 months after sham operation (group 1; n = 3) or large-colon resection (group 2; n = 5). Diets were alfalfa pellets, alfalfa hay, and grass hay. Feed and fecal analyses were performed to determine apparent digestion of dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein and true digestion of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, total plant cell wall, hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin. Additional fecal and metabolic variables determined were percentage of fecal water, total fecal water, metabolic organic matter, metabolic crude protein, and metabolic nitrogen. Large-colon resection decreased the digestion of plant cell wall because of decreased digestion of cellulose in alfalfa pellet and grass hay diets, but not in alfalfa hay diet. Insufficient digestible energy and/or protein from grass hay was obtained by horses with colon resection, and significant (P less than 0.05) weight loss was observed. Voluntary intake was significantly (P less than 0.05) increased by horses with colon resection. Of the diets studied, alfalfa hay was the most appropriate forage diet, compared with average grass hay and alfalfa pellet diet, for horses after extensive large-colon resection. Additionally, horses with colon resection may have higher levels of feed intake than do horses without colon resection.     

Clinical nutrition of adult horses

Horses suffering from trauma, sepsis, and severe burns need 12% to 16% of protein (dry matter basis) in their diet. Since reduced appetite may be a problem, relatively energy dense (greater than 2 Mcal DE/kg) feeds should be offered. In hepatic failure, maintenance protein requirements (8% on a dry matter basis for adult horses) should be met with feeds that are high in short branched-chain amino acids and arginine but low in aromatic amino acids and tryptophan (for example, milo, corn, soybean, or linseed meal) in addition to grass hay. Vitamins A, C, and E should also be supplemented. In cases with renal failure, protein, calcium, and phosphorus should be restricted to maintenance or lower levels. Grass hay and corn are the best feeds for horses with reduced renal function. Do not offer free-choice salt to horses with dependent edema from uncompensated chronic heart failure. Following gastrointestinal resection, legume hay and grain mixtures are the feeds of choice. Horses with diarrhea should not be deprived or oral or enteral alimentation for prolonged periods of time. Liquid formulas may be used if bulk or gastrointestinal motility are a problem. Apple cider vinegar and a high grain diet may reduce the incidence of enteroliths in horses prone to this problem. Pelleted feeds will reduce fecal volume and produce softer feces for horses that have had rectovaginal lacerations or surgery. Horses with small intestinal dysfunction or resection should be offered low residue diets initially, but long-term maintenance requires diets that promote large intestinal digestion (alfalfa hay, vegetable oil, restricted grain). Geriatric horses (greater than 20 years old need diets similar to those recommended for horses 6 to 18 months old.     

Effect of dental correction on feed digestibility in horses

To test the hypothesis that routine dental correction (removal only of sharp hooks and points from molars and premolars) would improve digestion of a hay/grain ration whereas performance 'floats' (rounding and smoothing of the dental arcades) would adversely affect digestion, 8 mature horses free from dental correction for over a year were used. Five-day digestion trials were conducted before and 2 and 4 weeks after correction in all horses. Although all horses had sharp points and minor premolar hooks, none had severe dental abnormalities. There were no significant differences found in apparent digestion of dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fibre or acid detergent fibre relative to precorrection data or controls (uncorrected horses on same digestion trial). Apparent digestibility of crude protein and fibre, however, was reduced if the occlusal angle of premolar 307 was greater than 80 degrees relative to the vertical axis (flattened). It should be recommended that regular dental correction be continued. However, if only small points and hooks are present, correction will not significantly improve digestion. Performance floating does not adversely affect digestion 2-4 weeks after the procedure is performed. Alterations in molar occlusal surface angle may affect digestibility of protein and fibre.     

Ileocecal intussusception in horses: 26 cases (1981-1988)

The case records of 26 horses with ileocecal intussusception over a 7-year period were reviewed to determine clinical features of the disease and response to treatment. The median age of horses with ileocecal intussusception was 1 year and ranged from 2 weeks to 19 years. There was no apparent gender or breed predisposition to this disease. An acute form of ileocecal intussusception was diagnosed in 19 horses with signs of moderate to severe abdominal pain of less than or equal to 24 hours' duration, and a chronic form was diagnosed in 7 horses with signs of intermittent, mild to moderate abdominal pain of more than 3 days' duration. Horses with chronic ileocecal intussusception had a history of weight loss or failure to gain weight, slow growth, poor appetite, low-grade pyrexia, and postprandial signs of abdominal pain. At surgery, the involved segments of intestine (intussusceptum and intussuscipiens) in chronic cases were 2 to 10 cm long, and the ileum and much of the distal portion of the jejunum were flaccid, dilated, and thick walled. In the acute cases, the length of involved intestine ranged from 6 to 457 cm. Whereas only 1 of 7 chronic intussusceptions (14%) could be reduced, 9 of 19 (47%) acute intussusceptions were reducible. Surgical treatment included resection and jejunocecostomy (6 horses), partial resection through a cecotomy and a side-to-side jejunocecostomy (2 horses), and a side-to-side ileocecostomy or jejunocecostomy without resection (12 horses, 7 of which had chronic intussusception). Six horses with acute intussusception were euthanatized before or during surgery.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Apparent digestibility of macronutrients in captive babirusa (Babyrousa babyrussa).

The apparent digestibilities of macronutrients by babirusa (Babyrousa babyrussa) were measured. Three group-housed captive babirusa were fed a diet of pelleted feed, boiled potatoes, grains, vegetables, and fruits. To determine reproducibility of the results, two digestibility trials were conducted 5 wk apart. The apparent digestibilities for crude protein, crude fat, and nonstructural carbohydrates (nitrogen-free extract) were 71, 76, and 78% of intake, respectively. Average apparent digestibilities of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber were 62 and 19% of intake, respectively. Hemicellulose (neutral detergent fiber minus acid detergent fiber) digestibility was 75%. Cellulose digestibility on average was 19% of intake, i.e., identical to acid detergent fiber digestibility because the diet did not contain a detectable amount of acid detergent lignin.     

Treatment of septic common digital extensor tenosynovitis by complete resection in seven horses

OBJECTIVE: To describe and evaluate a technique for radical resection of the entire intrathecal component of the common digital extensor tendon (CDET) in horses. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS OR SAMPLE POPULATION: Seven client-owned horses. METHODS: Seven horses with wounds that resulted in septic tenosynovitis of the CDET sheath were treated by complete surgical resection of the affected tendon and ablation of the tendon sheath; 5 had previous surgery that was unsuccessful. Time from initial injury to complete resection was 1-22 weeks. In 6 horses, the wound was closed primarily using a closed suction (4 horses), penrose (1), or passive open drainage system (1). In 1 horse, the surgical wound healed by second intention. All horses had postoperative bandaging, antibiotic administration, and physiotherapy. RESULTS: Surgical wounds healed primarily in 6 horses and by second intention in 1 horse. Follow-up (mean, 26.4 months; range, 18-38 months) was available for 6 horses; all returned to their athletic performance level without lameness or gait abnormality. CONCLUSIONS: Complete resection of the CDET was an effective surgical technique for management of chronic septic tenosynovitis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Horses with infection of the CDET and its sheath may be returned to long-term soundness without gait abnormality after radical resection.     

生物纤维饲料对绵羊的饲用价值研究

本试验以绵羊作为研究对象，通过常规养分测定、消化试验和瘤胃降解试验(尼龙袋法)，对生物纤维饲料的常规养分、饲用价值、瘤胃降解特性进行了探讨。结果表明：生物纤维饲料中干物质、粗蛋白、粗脂肪、粗纤维、粗灰分、无氮浸出物、钙和磷的含量分别为：65．61％、21．97％、1．88％、3．00％、7．79％、30．97％、0．85%和1．13％；绵羊对生物纤维饲料的干物质、粗蛋白、粗脂肪、粗纤维、粗灰份、无氮浸出物和能量的消化率分别为74．71％、84．81％、72．24%、72．68％、45．41％、77．52％、77．76％；同时测得生物纤维饲料原样中的消化能为10 100kJ／kg；生物纤维饲料干物质的有效降解率为61．75%，而蛋白质的有效降解率为73．73％。     

Survival rates for horses undergoing stapled small intestinal anastomosis: 84 cases (1988-1997)

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether location and type of small intestinal anastomosis and other variables were associated with short- and long-term survival rates in horses undergoing stapled small intestinal anastomosis. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 84 horses that underwent small intestinal anastomosis. PROCEDURE: Medical records from 1988 to 1997 were examined for horses that underwent stapled small intestinal anastomosis. Horses were allotted into 4 groups: jejunojejunostomy (n = 27), jejunoileostomy (11), jejunoileocecostomy with small intestinal resection (20), and jejunoileocecostomy without small intestinal resection (26). Survival rates and other variables were determined. RESULTS: Horses that underwent jejunoileocecostomy without resection had a significantly higher survival rate at all intervals than did horses in the other 3 groups. At 180 and 365 days after surgery, horses that underwent jejunojejunostomy had a significantly lower survival rate than those that underwent jejunoileocecostomy with intestinal resection. Horses that underwent jejunoileocecostomy with intestinal resection had a significantly higher survival rate at 1 year, compared with the combined jejunojejunostomy and jejunoileostomy groups. Preoperative heart rate was inversely associated with survival rate. Overall survival rates at discharge and 1 year were 81 and 56%, respectively. For horses that underwent small intestinal resection, survival rates at discharge and 1 year were 65 and 47%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Horses that underwent anastomosis of the small intestine to the cecum without resection had the highest survival rate, compared with horses that required intestinal resection. In some instances, resection and anastomosis involving the cecum had better prognosis than resections involving 2 segments of the small intestine.     

South American camelids in Switzerland. III. Digestibilities of different feedstuff

Feces from 15 adult llamas were collected in 4 herds and the exact diet was determined, either of the group or of individual animals, to examine apparent digestibility. A questionnaire was submitted to the animal owners. The questionnaire included questions about the animals in the herd (number, age, gender, origin), management methods, pastures, watering and feeding facilities for the animals, hay supplementation, composition of the ration and fodder additives used. Analysis of the feed revealed an average apparent digestibility for dry matter of 81+/-4%, for the organic matter 77+/-7%, for crude protein 69+/-10%, for nitrogen-free extract 83+/-5%, for calcium 60+/-17%, for phosphorus 54+/-11% and 81+/-9% for crude fiber. All feed components seem to be digested similarly to domestic ruminants whereas the apparent digestibility of crude fiber was high, which indicates that the digesting system seems to be more effective.     

Inflammatory bowel disease in horses: 11 cases (1988-1998).

OBJECTIVE: To determine clinical and surgical abnormalities in, and long-term outcome of, horses that undergo surgery because of colic secondary to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 11 horses. PROCEDURE: Medical records of horses that had undergone abdominal surgery and in which IBD had been diagnosed on the basis of histologic examination of intestinal biopsy specimens were reviewed. RESULTS: 5 horses were examined because of acute colic and 6 were examined because of chronic colic. At surgery, all 11 horses had edematous or hemorrhagic bowel segments suggestive of IBD. In addition, 6 horses had circumferential mural bands (CMB) causing constriction of the small (4 horses) or large (2) intestine. Intestinal resections were performed in 7 horses. All 11 horses survived surgery and were discharged from the hospital; 10 horses were still alive at the time of follow-up (1.5 to 7 years after surgery). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Results suggest that IBD is an uncommon cause of colic in horses. Surgical resection of segments of intestine with constrictive CMB may relieve clinical signs of colic. Horses with IBD that had surgery had a good prognosis for long-term survival.     

不同海拔生态区甜高粱和玉米及甜高粱不同刈割次数的养分含量

为探讨甜高粱(sorghum bicolor ‘Moench’)和玉米(Zea mays ‘Linn’)在青海不同海拔生态区及甜高粱不同刈割次数的植株养分含量,以3个甜高粱和1个玉米品种为试验材料,采用随机区组设计,分析整株养分含量。结果表明:在3个海拔生态区甜高粱的粗脂肪、无氮浸出物和糖含量均高于玉米,而灰分、粗纤维、中性洗涤纤维、酸性洗涤纤维和钙含量低于玉米;海拔1850~1990 m甜高粱粗蛋白含量高于玉米,磷含量极显著高于玉米(P < 0.01)。刈割次数对甜高粱养分含量影响达极显著水平(P < 0.01)。第1次刈割甜高粱粗蛋白、粗纤维、中性洗涤纤维、酸性洗涤纤维、灰分和钙含量最高;对照(不刈割)无氮浸出物、磷和糖含量最高。表明甜高粱是优质饲料作物,应大力推广种植。     

Alteration of intestinal enzyme activities associated with extensive large-colon resection in horses

Lactase, maltase, sucrase, and alkaline phosphatase activities were determined in the intestinal mucosa from 3 locations in the small intestine and 4 locations in the large intestine 1 year after extensive large-colon resection (group 1; n = 5) and 1 year after sham operation (group 2; n = 3) in horses. Lactase, maltase, and sucrase activities were similar (P greater than 0.05) between group-1 and group-2 horses in all locations measured in the intestinal tract. Alkaline phosphatase activity in the remaining large colon of group-1 horses was significantly (P less than 0.05) greater than the activity in the large colon of group-2 horses. Decreased apparent digestion of phosphorus and a negative phosphorus balance are persistent features of large-colon resection in horses. Increases in alkaline phosphatase activity in the remaining colon of horses with extensive large-colon resection may be a specific functional adaptive mechanism that attempts to counteract the derangements in phosphorus metabolism.     

Nutritional management of horses competing in 160 km races

A survey was taken of dietary management and training schedules of 54 horses competing in two 160 km endurance races. A total of 52 owners, representing 54 horses, responded to a questionnaire distributed prior to the races. Diet and training schedules were compared between horses that successfully completed the races and those that were eliminated for metabolic reasons. Horses that completed the races were 11.5 +/- 4 years old, weighed 429 +/- 4.5 kg and were ridden 61 +/- 32 km a week when training. Feed intake was reported as "free choice hay or pasture" by 34 of the respondents. Dry matter (DM) hay intake in these horses was estimated to be 3% body weight (kg) minus the kg DM of grain fed, assuming a maximum intake. They were fed 12.3 +/- 2.3 kg feed per day consisting of 10 +/- 2.3 kg hay and 2.3 +/- 1.4 kg of grain. Most had free access to salt and were fed 1 +/- 1 vitamin/mineral supplement per day. Based on Nutritional Research Council (NRC) values for nutrient content of the reported feeds, diets contained 60 +/- 5% total digestible nutrients (TDN), 12 +/- 2% crude protein, 27 +/- 4% crude fiber, 0.72 +/- 0.4% calcium and 0.29 +/- 0.06% phosphorus. Maximum caloric intake was estimated to be 31.9 Mcal per day. Ratios of nutrients fed per kilometer trained were: kg TDN/km = .14 +/- .08, kg crude protein/km trained = .03 +/- .02, and kg crude fiber/km trained = .06 +/- .04.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Large intestinal capacity, retention times, and turnover rates of particulate ingesta associated with extensive large-colon resection in horses

Fecal excretion of a particulate marker, ytterbium (Yb), was evaluated in 9 horses before surgery and 3 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months (4 trials) after sham-operation (group 1; n = 3) or extensive large colon resection (group 2; n = 6). Fecal excretion curves of total Yb excretion, loge Yb excretion, % Yb excretion, loge % Yb excretion, and cumulative % Yb excretion were evaluated, and kinetic analysis was performed on the loge Yb excretion curves to detect mixing pools and to calculate the fractional rate of particulate passage, turnover rate, and pool size. Calculations were performed to determined transit time, mean overall retention time, adjusted mean retention time, peak time, and disappearance time. Values were statistically analyzed to determine differences between groups and among trials (P less than 0.05). Group-2 horses had significantly shorter transit, peak, and mean overall retention times, compared with preoperative values and with values for group-1 horses. Two mixing pools were identified: a slower emptying pool of 5.7% hour-1 (k1) and a faster emptying pool of 12.3% hour-1 (k2). The rate of passage from the first pool (k1) was not altered by colon resection, and was interpreted as being most influenced by the cecum. In further support of this interpretation, the capacity of the k1 pool approximated the capacity of the cecum (17 L). The capacity of the k1 pool significantly expanded by 6 months in the resected horses. the rate of passage from the second pool (k2) significantly increased initially after colon resection (3 weeks and 3 months), but returned to preoperative values by 6 months.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Retrospective evaluation of repeat celiotomy in 53 horses with acute gastrointestinal disease

Fifty-three of 648 horses (8.2%) treated surgically for acute gastrointestinal obstruction were subjected to repeat celiotomy. Forty horses (75%) recovered from anesthesia after repeat celiotomy, and 26 horses (49%) were discharged from the clinic. Excluding two horses lost to follow-up, 10 of 51 horses (20%) survived long term. Horses subjected to repeat celiotomy had a significantly lower long-term survival rate than horses subjected to a single celiotomy. Twenty-eight horses had mechanical obstructions, and 22 had functional obstructions at the second surgery. Significantly more horses with mechanical obstructions recovered from anesthesia, but there was no difference in short-term or long-term survival. Seventy-seven percent of horses were subjected to two celiotomies without being discharged from the clinic between procedures. The intervals between primary and repeat celiotomies ranged from less than 24 hours to 4 years, with 89% of them being less than 2 months. Horses with functional obstructions at the second surgery had a significantly shorter interval between surgeries than horses with mechanical obstructions. Twenty-three horses had sequelae of the primary celiotomy, 19 had progression of their original disease, 8 had recurrence of the same condition, and 3 had unrelated problems. Intestinal ischemic necrosis was the most common diagnosis at repeat celiotomy, and small intestinal obstruction by adhesions was the second most frequent.     

Retrospective Evaluation of Repeat Celiotomy in 53 Horses with Acute Gastrointestinal Disease

Fifty-three of 648 horses (8.2%) treated surgically for acute gastrointestinal obstruction were subjected to repeat celiotomy. Forty horses (75%) recovered from anesthesia after repeat celiotomy, and 26 horses (49%) were discharged from the clinic. Excluding two horses lost to follow-up, 10 of 51 horses (20%) survived long term. Horses subjected to repeat celiotomy had a significantly lower long-term survival rate than horses subjected to a single celiotomy. Twenty-eight horses had mechanical obstructions, and 22 had functional obstructions at the second surgery. Significantly more horses with mechanical obstructions recovered from anesthesia, but there was no difference in short-term or long-term survival. Seventy-seven percent of horses were subjected to two celiotomies without being discharged from the clinic between procedures. The intervals between primary and repeat celiotomies ranged from less than 24 hours to 4 years, with 89% of them being less than 2 months. Horses with functional obstructions at the second surgery had a significantly shorter interval between surgeries than horses with mechanical obstructions. Twenty-three horses had sequelae of the primary celiotomy, 19 had progression of their original disease, 8 had recurrence of the same condition, and 3 had unrelated problems. Intestinal ischemic necrosis was the most common diagnosis at repeat celiotomy, and small intestinal obstruction by adhesions was the second most frequent.     

青海天然草地牧草营养成分分析

通过对青海天然草地牧草4大类主要营养成分进行分析,结果表明:青海天然草地牧草具有粗蛋白质、粗脂肪、无氮浸出物含量高,粗纤维含量低,即"三高一低"的特点.与全国同类型草地牧草营养成分相比,粗蛋白质高2.61个百分点,粗脂肪高0.4个百分点,无氮浸出物高4.92个百分点,粗纤维低20.42个百分点.     

Effect of aspirin on ex vivo generation of thromboxane in healthy horses

Different dosages of aspirin were administered (by nasogastric tube) to 3 groups of 5 healthy adult horses to determine the minimal effective dosage needed to decrease serum thromboxane B2 (TxB2) concentrations and to determine the duration of this decrease. When compared with their base-line serum TxB2 concentrations, horses in group 1 (given 5 mg/kg) had a 71% decrease in TxB2 concentrations at 24 hours after aspirin was given and a 86% decrease at 48 hours; serum TxB2 concentrations were back to base-line values by 120 hours. Horses in group 2 (given 10 mg/kg) had a 60% decrease in TxB2 concentrations at 24 hours after aspirin was given, an 84% decrease at 48 hours, a 48% decrease at 96 hours, and an 18% decrease at 6 days. Horses in group 3 (given 20 mg/kg) had a 68% decrease in TxB2 concentrations at 24 hours, a 93% decrease at 72 hours, an 87% decrease at 96 hours, and a 70% decrease at 6 days after aspirin treatment was given. All groups had a statistically significant decrease in TxB2 concentrations (P less than 0.05) by 12 hours after aspirin was given, which persisted 96 hours for group 1 and throughout the study for groups 2 and 3. The maximal TxB2 decrease was similar among the 3 groups (90% decrease from base line), and there were no significant differences among the TxB2 concentrations between 24 and 72 hours after treatment was given.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)