Objective: To describe a method for facilitating movement of enteroliths obstructing the proximal portion of the descending colon.
Study design: Prospective report.
Sample population: 15 horses.
Methods: A seromuscular incision through the antimesenteric taenia of the proximal portion of the descending colon was used to facilitate movement of enteroliths.
Results: Teniotomy allowed proximal descending colon enteroliths located within the abdomen or close to the abdominal wall to be advanced 4 to 15 cm in an aboral direction so that they could be exteriorized for safe removal.
Conclusions and clinical relevance: Teniotomy is a feasible method for mobilizing enteroliths in the proximal descending colon in locations that cannot otherwise be exteriorized.