2. Handsome
“Handsome” is a 21 year old Thoroughbred and beloved
lesson horse at Crescendo Farm in Beaverton.
Handsome was lucky to survive a serious colic episode
because his caretakers recognized and responded to the
situation immediately.
3. Something was wrong...
Handsome ate his breakfast norma"y but was quieter
than normal when tacked up.
When his rider went to get on, Handsome attempted to
ro".
His rider removed the tack and Handsome continued to
try to ro".
He then began restlessly walking and kicking at this be"y.
4. The vet arrives...
Handsome’s caretaker ca"ed Columbia
Equine immediately.
When Dr. Clabaugh arrived she gave
Banamine (for pain) and sedation but
Handsome remained dramatica"y
painful.
On rectal palpation, Dr. Clabaugh
could feel a distended loop of sma"
intestine. This was confirmed with an
abdominal ultrasound.
5. Off to surgery...
Handsome was stabilized for
transport to OSU for surgery where a
cantaloupe sized intestinal lipoma
(fat tumor) was found with it’s cord
wrapped around the sma" intestine.
As the blood supply to the sma"
intestine was compromised, 20 feet of
dead intestine needed to be removed
along with the tumor.
7. Handsome back at home...
Because of rapid diagnosis
and loving, patient
caretakers, Handsome was
able to go back to work.
8. What is a Pedunculated Lipoma?
Pedunculated lipomas are benign tumors that most (equently arise
(om the wa" of the sma" intestine and remain attached by a pedicle
(stalk).
Obstruction of intestine by a pedunculated lipoma is one of the more
commonly encountered causes of colic requiring surgical management.
Geldings and ponies are know to be at a greater risk of colic resulting
(om pedunculated lipomas than are other horses.
9. How does the lipoma cause colic?
Pedunculated lipomas cause strangulating obstructions
when the pedicle wraps around the sma" intestines.
The weight of the lipoma, the length of the pedicle and
sufficient momentum resulting (om movement of the
horse or intestinal motility contribute a"ows the lipoma
to wrap around the intestines much like a tether ba"
wraps around a pole.
Sometimes the lipoma swings with the intestines and
does not wrap around. Sometimes it wraps around and
then quickly unwraps and sometimes it wraps so tight it
does not let go.
The resulting compression prevents the flow of ingesta,
occludes the blood vessels and causes intense pain.
10. How do you treat
a Strangulating Lipoma?
Once the stalk is wrapped tightly around the intestines, surgery is required to
remove the lipoma and its stalk.
If the stalk was wrapped tightly enough to cut off blood supply to the
intestines long enough, the dead intestines wi" need to be removed.
Rapid diagnosis is critical to identify the source of colic before the intestines
are compromised.
