Objective: To describe the insertion technique, efficacy, and complications associated with the use of an active (closed-suction) abdominal drain in horses.
Study design: Retrospective study. Animals-Sixty-seven horses with abdominal contamination treated by abdominal lavage and use of a closed-suction abdominal drain.
Methods: Medical records of horses (1989-1996) that had a closed-suction abdominal drain were reviewed. Follow-up information was obtained by telephone interviews with owners.
Results: Sixty-eight closed-suction abdominal drains were used in 67 horses that had abdominal contamination, peritonitis, or to prevent adhesion formation. The drain was placed under general anesthesia (62 horses) or in a standing position (6 horses). Abdominal lavage was performed every 4 to 12 hours and about 83% of the peritoneal lavage solution was retrieved. Minor complications associated with drain use occurred in 49% of the horses and included obstruction or slow passage of fluid through the drain in 18 horses (26%), leakage of fluid around the drain in 11 horses (16%), and subcutaneous fluid accumulation around the drain in 8 horses (12%). Incisional suppuration developed in 20 of 62 (32%) and incisional herniation in 5 of 46 (11%) horses.
Conclusions: A closed-suction drain system was easily placed and was associated with only minor complications in most horses.
Clinical relevance: Active abdominal drainage and lavage is a useful adjunct in the treatment of peritonitis or as a prophylactic procedure in horses at risk of developing septic peritonitis and abdominal adhesions. Clinicians should be aware of the high incidence of minor complications.
Copyright 2003 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons