Small intestinal strangulation caused by a mesodiverticular band and diverticulum on the mesenteric border of the small intestine in a horse

A 4-year-old Quarter horse stallion was presented for acute abdominal pain. Exploratory celiotomy revealed a mesenteric diverticulum of the jejunum and mesodiverticular band that were associated with small intestinal strangulation. Resection and anastomosis were performed. A second celiotomy was performed due to adhesions. The horse recovered completely and returned to training.     

Meckel's diverticulum in the horse

Meckel's diverticulum is a remnant of the vitellointestinal duct. It is through this duct that nutrients pass from the yolk sac into the midgut of the four-week-old embryo. In a review of 15,000 postmortem records at the University of Kentucky, Meckel's diverticulum was observed in five horses examined postmortem. In each case, the diverticulum was a factor in the animal's death. In light of these statistics, Meckel's diverticulum may not be as frequent a finding in the horse as has been previously considered.     

Small intestinal adenocarcinoma in a horse

A 21-year-old mare was evaluated for intermittent episodes of apparent abdominal pain of 6 month's duration. Abdominal palpation per rectum revealed distended small intestine in the caudal portion of the abdomen. Ventral midline celiotomy revealed a mass in the midjejunal region. The mass was resected, and a side-to-side anastomosis performed. The histologic diagnosis was tubular adenocarcinoma of the small intestine. The mare was still alive 13 months after surgery.     

Intrathoracic pulsion diverticulum in a horse

This is a report of a 12-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding with a ruptured esophageal pulsion diverticulum associated with atypical clinical signs of colic and septic peritonitis on presentation. The location of this diverticulum at the hiatus was unique and was most likely responsible for the unusual presentation of this horse.     

Small intestinal adenomatous polyposis resulting in protein-losing enteropathy in a horse

A 4-year-old Quarter Horse gelding was presented with a history of weight loss of 6 months duration, along with extensive ventral subcutaneous edema. Clinicopathologic findings included a markedly low serum total protein (2.9 g/dl) and a low packed cell volume (24%). The mucosal surface of the distal jejunum and entire ileum were carpeted with numerous polypoid, papillary, and glandular masses comprised of pseudostratified tall columnar cells and large numbers of interspersed goblet cells. Neoplastic change was diffuse throughout the mucosa of each mass, but abrupt demarcation occurred between neoplastic masses and adjacent mucosa. Immunohistochemical staining for protein of the p53 tumor suppressor gene revealed only occasional cytoplasmic reactivity within polyps and normal mucosa. Nuclear staining for papillomavirus antigens was not observed. Electron microscopic examination revealed features of well-differentiated intestinal epithelial cells, including apical tight junctions and microvilli, desmosomes, and the presence of numerous goblet cells. Microorganisms were not detected. Small intestinal polyposis should be considered as a rare differential diagnosis for protein-losing enteropathy in the horse.     

Intestinal strangulation caused by intra-abdominal lipomas in a dog.

Pedunculated, intra-abdominal lipomas caused intestinal strangulation in a Doberman Pinscher. The dog was treated surgically to remove the lipomas and the devitalized intestine but died soon after surgery. Histologic evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of lipoma.     

Persistent urachal remnant causing intestinal strangulation in a cow

A persistent urachal remnant causing small intestinal strangulation was found on exploratory laparotomy in a 2-year-old cow with colic. The persistent urachus consisted of a thin cord-like band that was attached ventrally to the umbilical region and caudally to the apex of the bladder. The band had formed an internal loop and had strangulated 6 to 8 cm of the distal portion of the ileum. The persistent urachus was detached manually at the umbilicus, ligated at the apex of the bladder, and removed; intestinal resection was not necessary. The urachal remnant was probably a congenital abnormality that may have become stretched during pregnancy, forming an internal hernial loop.     

Surgical correction of a traumatic esophageal diverticulum in a horse

A nine-year-old gelding was presented to the Auburn University Large Animal Clinic with discharge of saliva and food material from both nostrils. A diagnosis of esophageal diverticulum was made; treatment is described.     

Pancytopenia caused by bone marrow aplasia in a horse

Pancytopenia was evaluated in a mature Quarter Horse gelding. A diagnosis of bone marrow aplasia was made on the basis of bone marrow hypocellularity. History of drugs administered included penicillin, oxytetracycline, trimethoprim-sulfadiazine, phenylbutazone, dipyrone, flunixin meglumine, and isoxsuprine. Clinical remission was observed after treatment with glucocorticoids, androgens, and broad-spectrum antimicrobials.