RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate the degree of correlation between ultrasonographic findings of the stomach and the obtained reflux volume in horses with secondary gastric distension. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this prospective, controlled clinical study, warmblood horses presented with secondary gastric distension at the Clinic for Horses between 2017 and 2018 were included. Gastric fluid content was assessed sonographically by evaluating the number of intercostal spaces with detectable fluid level as well as the maximum height of gastric fluid. These findings were compared to the amount of reflux obtained. RESULTS: Eleven horses with a total of 52 examinations were included into the study. Gastric fluid levels were detectable over a median of 6 intercostal spaces (interquartil range [IQR] 3). The maximum extension recorded was over 9 intercostal spaces. Median obtained reflux amounted to 7 liters (IQR 6.5), with a maximum of 14 liters. The number of intercostal spaces with detectable fluid levels and obtained reflux volume exhibited a strong correlation with a correlation coefficient of 0.77 (p ≤ 0.001). Moderate correlation (correlation coefficient 0.59 with p ≤ 0.001) was observed between the maximum height of fluid levels and the obtained volume of reflux. Based on number of intercostal spaces with measurable gastric fluid levels estimation values for the obtainable reflux volume were established. When fluid levels are detectable over 5 or 6 intercostal spaces approximately 5.7-7.4 liters of reflux are to be expected. The maximum height of gastric fluid levels may be considered insufficient for an accurate prediction of reflux volume due to the moderate correlation of these 2 parameters. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Due to the high correlation between number of intercostal spaces with sonographically detectable fluid levels and the obtained reflux volume, this parameter seems to be adequate to predict reflux amount. Based on this estimation, management of horses with paralytic ileus may be optimized.