Clinicopathological Study of Equine Colic Requiring Surgical Intervention in Katsina State

Equine colic is the most common gastrointestinal emergency in horses and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in Nigeria's large equine population. This study examines the clinicopathological features of equine colic cases that required surgical intervention at selected veterinary facilities in Katsina State, North West Nigeria, over a two-year period from 2022 to 2024. Thirty-four horses with confirmed surgical colic were enrolled. Clinical data including pain grade, gut motility assessment, rectal examination findings, nasogastric reflux volume, and peritoneal fluid analysis were systematically recorded. Abdominal radiography and ultrasonography were used where equipment was available. Large colon impaction and right dorsal displacement were the most common surgical diagnoses, collectively accounting for 53% of cases. Strangulating lesions including small intestinal volvulus were documented in 29% of cases and were associated with the highest mortality. Preoperative peritoneal lactate levels above 4 mmol/L were significantly associated with non-survival. Surgical management consisting of exploratory laparotomy with appropriate correction was performed in all cases, with a 30-day survival rate of 65%. Delayed referral was a major negative prognostic factor, occurring in 44% of non-surviving cases. The study calls for improved triage awareness among horse owners and the establishment of a regional equine referral surgical center to serve the North West zone. Keywords: equine colic, surgical colic, laparotomy, Katsina State, gastrointestinal surgery.