Ace: Rehabilitation After Colic Surgery

Ace is a 13-year-old Warmblood gelding who presented to VRSVA for recovery and rehabilitation after colic surgery. Ace received a thorough physical exam upon arrival and was monitored closely with full physical exams three times per day and all day monitoring of comfort, manure production, and water consumption. Post-operative colics are sensitive and any complications need to be caught early to ensure the best possible outcome. Colics must be kept quiet and calm in the stall for the first two weeks following surgery and must be re-fed slowly and carefully to prevent a relapse colic episode. Ace was administered pain medications for the first few days after arrival and gastroprotectants to prevent stomach ulceration.

It is important to closely monitor the surgical site for signs of dehiscence (suture failure), infection, herniation, or excessive swelling. A few days after Ace’s arrival, a slight increase in swelling was noted around his incision and a very small amount of pus-like drainage was noted coming from a small pocket in the incision. A culture was taken to look for bacteria and an antibiotic sensitivity test was run to determine the right antibiotic for this particular bacteria. Ace was quickly started on antibiotics and his incision was treated topically with cleaning, flushing and infusion of an antimicrobial solution. Ace was fitted for an abdominal compression band to help decrease the chance of herniation from this weak spot in the incision and to decrease swelling. The dressing was changed daily and the abdominal band was reset and cleaned each day.

By catching this infection early, we were able to appropriately treat and prevent further complications. Once the incision had fully healed, Ace was able to progress in his rehabilitation. He began hand walking, pole walking and core exercises to strengthen his abdominal muscles. He eventually was ready for small paddock turnout with sedation. Ace has slowly regained strength and was able to return to under saddle work without any lasting complications from his surgery!