Clinical features and management of equine post operative ileus ( POI ): S urvey of D iplomates of the A merican C olleges of V eterinary I nternal M edicine ( ACVIM ), V eterinary S urgeons ( ACVS ) and V eterinary E mergency and C ritical C are ( ACVECC )

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Abstract
Summary: Reasons for performing study: A recent survey of European Colleges (European College of Equine Internal Medicine [ ECEIM ] and European College of Veterinary Surgeons [ ECVS ]) revealed the different strategies implemented by, and some of the challenges facing, European clinicians presented with cases of post operative ileus ( POI ). It was concluded that further comparative analysis of opinions, canvassed from additional colleges of equine veterinary specialism worldwide, would provide valuable additional insight into current POI knowledge on a more global scale. Objectives: To report and compare the current strategies favoured by American veterinary specialists when managing POI in horses that underwent emergency colic surgery. Study design: Cross‐sectional survey. Methods: Electronic invitations were sent to 814 Large Animal specialists, including 3 colleges: the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine ( ACVIM ), American College of Veterinary Surgeons ( ACVS ) and the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care ( ACVECC ). Results: The response rate was 14% (115/814). The majority of respondents (68%) reported an estimated prevalence range of POI of 0–20%. The presence of reflux on nasogastric intubation was the main criterion used to define POI . A lesion involving the small intestine was considered the main risk factor for POI . Anti‐inflammatory drugs , intravenous (i.v.) fluids and antimicrobial drugs were the primary strategies used when managing POI . Flunixin meglumine and i.v. lidocaine were the drugs most commonly used in the treatment of horses with POI . Supplementary management strategies targeted mainly the prevention of post operative adhesions, infection and inflammation. Conclusions: There is a lack of consensus on the clinical definition of POI . Prospective and objective clinical assessment of the effectiveness of the different strategies contained within this and the European survey is necessary in order to identify a standardised approach to the management of equine POI .
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  • University of Edinburgh

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