Ultrasonographic visualisation of the mesenteric vasculature in horses with large colon colic.
BACKGROUND
Ultrasonographic visualisation of the mesenteric vasculature of the large colon (LC) from the right side of the abdomen in cases of displacement and volvulus has been described. However, the LC can move freely within the abdomen and its mesentery can potentially contact both sides of the abdominal wall.


METHODS
Thirty-four horses presented with LC-related colic that had visible LC mesenteric vasculature visible on abdominal ultrasound were included. A control group was made including horses with confirmed small intestinal-related colic. The objective of this study was to evaluate the visibility of LC mesenteric vasculature with transabdominal ultrasonography in horses with LC-related colic and to determine its diagnostic value.


RESULTS
The LC mesenteric vasculature was identified on the right side of the abdomen in 16/34 horses with right dorsal displacement of the LC (RDDLC), 180° LC volvulus (LCV), 540° LCV or LC impaction. On the left side of the abdomen, LC mesenteric vessels were identified in 17/34 horses with left dorsal displacement of the LC (LDDLC), 180° LCV or RDDLC. Vessels were visualised on both sides in one horse with a 180° LCV. Presence of LC mesenteric vasculature in the dorsal aspect on the left side of the abdomen was significantly associated with LDDLC.


CONCLUSION
LC mesenteric vasculature can be visualised on transabdominal ultrasound from either side of the abdomen in horses with different forms of LC-related colic.
['Manso-Díaz|Gabriel|G|http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8548-669X', 'Bolt|David M|DM|', 'López-Sanromán|Javier|J|']
D000818:Animals D016022:Case-Control Studies D003085:Colic D003108:Colonic Diseases D005260:Female D006734:Horse Diseases D006736:Horses D008297:Male D008638:Mesenteric Arteries D014463:Ultrasonography
abdomen Imaging colon displacement colonic volvulus diagnosis equine