Meddleton Equine Hospital

Few things are more distressing to the horse owner than the prospect of a beloved horse having to undergo colic surgery. Stories of catastrophic anesthetic recoveries and dismal survival rates abound, but are no longer representative of the current state of equine surgery and anesthesia.

The stories are based on what was commonplace through the 1980’s in most parts of the country. Until recently, there were very few places in the United States capable of successfully performing colic surgery on horses. Owners typically had to drive many hours to the closest Veterinary school. The long delay to get the horse to surgery was the major contributor to poor outcomes. It was not unusual for horses to have to be transported 3 or more hours to the nearest equine hospital.

By the time the horses had surgery, they were in poor cardiovascular condition, suffered from endotoxemic shock, were severely dehydrated, and almost inevitably had to have a segment of their intestine removed due to the duration of the problem.

A twisted segment of intestine will slowly begin to die if the situation is not corrected promptly (usually within 2-3 hours); prompt correction of a twisted segment of intestine will generally allow for dramatic increase in patient survival. Other factors that contributed to poor outcomes were inappropriate anesthetic equipment and drugs, inadequate recovery facilities and protocols, and lack of availability of intensive care monitoring and treatment after surgery.

The situation today is much different. Private practice Equine Hospitals have emerged in most areas with dense horse populations and have made timely surgical intervention a possibility for most equine patients. There is also a better understanding of equine anesthesia and critical care to help support the horses throughout the process.

New tools like rapid fluid infusion pumps make pre-operative rehydration quick and easy. Modern anesthetic machines with large, powerful ventilators allow for adequate ventilation during long procedures. State of the art monitoring equipment allows for well trained staff to rapidly and accurately identify problems during the anesthetic period and allow for prompt correction of any abnormalities.

The latest generation of anesthetic drugs result in smooth anesthetic inductions and easier recoveries. Furthermore, a better understanding of the difficulties that may arise during recovery from general anesthesia has lead to the development of numerous systems to ensure that this critical part of the process can be done safely on a routine basis.

It Would be an Understatement to Say that the State of Equine Colic Surgery Has Improved Over the Last 20 Years

Severe anesthetic complications such as fractures, acute death, and permanent lameness due to orthopedic accidents have decreased to less than 1 percent of cases. Most surgical colics are uncomplicated (not requiring removal of intestines) and enjoy a long term survival rate of 80-90%.

Horses requiring removal of a portion of their small intestine still pose a challenge, but 80% survive the immediate postoperative period and 50-60% are alive one year after surgery. Most horses that survive return to their previous level of performance.

Resection of the large intestine still carries a poor prognosis for long term survival, but numbers are improving as surgeons are perfecting the technique. Fortunately, cases requiring large colon resection are uncommon and can be avoided altogether with rapid surgical intervention.

Horses treated at the Meddleton Equine Hospital will benefit from the latest in colic diagnostic technology (ultrasound, endoscopy, 3 meter gastroscope, on site laboratory), equine anesthetic monitoring technology, the safety of the Air Pillow Recovery System, and 24 hour intensive care monitoring and treatment. The Meddleton Equine Hospital is fully staffed for 24 hour surgical and intensive care needs.

The Meddleton Equine Hospital was Designed For the Safety of our Equine Patients

The Meddleton Equine Hospital is unique in New Mexico and, in fact, there are few equine facilities in the country that can compare. Starting with high ceilings and rubber floors, padded stocks, and padded induction and recovery rooms, to having the state of the art equine anesthesia machine, advanced anesthetic monitoring systems, and the latest anesthetic drugs, we have made every possible effort to ensure the safety of your horse.

We have separate induction and recovery rooms to minimize the wait before surgery on a colic can begin. Recovery from anesthesia is performed in a heavily padded room, on our state of the art Air Pillow Recovery System, with head and tail rope assistance. This provides for the safest possible anesthetic recoveries.

Our Veterinarians and Technicians have had extensive training for surgery and anesthesia. We have installed the best anesthesia equipment, monitors, protocols and techniques. We have the training, the staff, the experience, and the surgical facilities to give your horse the best chance of having a full recovery from colic surgery.

Be Prepared

Colic surgery is a life saving procedure that has progressed and enjoys a high rate of success when performed rapidly. Horse owners need to be prepared to make the decision as soon as the Veterinarian makes the recommendation. This decision should be made in advance, since there is likely to be a lot of stress and emotion when faced with a horse with colic that is in need of surgery.

Plans for transport and economic considerations should be in place before the need for emergency colic surgery strikes. Minutes count when a horse has a strangulating obstruction, so a trailer should be available and in good repair.

While an average colic surgery will cost $8,000-$10,000, a severe, complicated case with a lengthy hospital stay can cost $12,000-$15,000 or more. For most people this is not a financial decision that is easily made on the spot, so one should think about this possibility beforehand.

Meddleton Equine is Ready to Take Care of the Colic Surgery Needs of Horses in New Mexico