When 4-year-old Quarter Horse Hermes developed sudden, severe colic, his owner and primary veterinarian immediately recognized the urgency of the situation. Their quick response allowed Hermes to be transported without delay to the University of Florida’s Large Animal Hospital, where the equine emergency team evaluated his condition and quickly prepared him for surgery.
During surgery, Hermes was found to have volvulus nodosus, a rare and particularly dangerous type of small intestinal strangulation. This condition occurs when parts of the small intestine – typically the ileum and/or jejunum – twist into a knot, cutting off blood flow and compromising the affected tissue.
Hermes faced an even more complex situation: both his ileum and jejunum were involved. To resolve the strangulation and restore intestinal function, surgeons performed a difficult corrective procedure followed by a jejunocecostomy, which reroutes the small intestine to bypass the compromised ileum.
The surgery was led by Dr. David Freeman, a world-renowned equine surgeon recognized for his expertise in colic treatment and research. He was joined by Dr. Heather Roe and Dr. Sierra Chanutin, forming a highly skilled team prepared to tackle this demanding case.
Jejunocecostomy is traditionally associated with a poorer prognosis compared to other types of small intestinal anastomosis. However, Dr. Freeman’s ongoing colic research seeks to refine these techniques, with the goal of making them more successful and more widely adopted when needed — ultimately giving horses with complex intestinal disease a chance at survival.
Following the first surgery, Hermes experienced a recurrence of the volvulus, necessitating a second operation and revision of the original anastomosis. Despite the challenges, Hermes showed remarkable strength. Combined with the dedicated care of the UF team and the commitment of his owner, he has continued to improve steadily.
Today, we are thrilled to share that Hermes is home on the road to recovery.
Hermes’ journey is a testament to fast recognition, innovative veterinary medicine, and the incredible resilience of our equine patients. We wish him the very best in his continued healing.
