Effects of age, disease and anastomosis on short- and long-term survival after surgical correction of small intestinal strangulating diseases in 89 horses.

The remaining lifespan of older horses at the time of surgery had the greatest effect on survival. Age could influence long-term survival studies after colic surgery, and therefore needs to be considered for survival analyses. Horses that did not require resection and anastomosis had favourable outcomes, underscoring the potential importance of early intervention to reduce the need for resection.