Strangulation obstruction of the small intestine in horse

Abstract

Equine colic is a relatively common disorder of the digestive system and should be treated as an emergency. A twist in the small intestine of a horse cause the blood supply to be cut off, resulting in necrotic tissue. The aim of the study was to describe associations between prognostic indicators and diagnoses in equine colic caused by strangulation obstruction of the small intestine. Signs of abdominal pain included: agitation, excessive sweating, flank watching, pawing, frequent lying down, kicking at the abdomen, rolling, tachycardia, absence gut sounds, presence tympanic sounds, abdominal distension, lack of defecation, playing in the water bucket but not drinking and abnormalities at rectal examination. Flunixin meglumine and xylazine were used in every colic case to help control the abdominal pain. Volvulus/torsion of the small intestine resulted in severe pain was difficult to relieve with analgesics. A nasogastric tube was used to relieve the amount of gas pressure in the gut, giving gas and fluids an avenue to travel away from the gut. IV fluids were necessary for dehydrated or in shock horses. Progressive pain with poor response to medical intervention, lack of fever and serosanguineous peritoneal fluid were clinical features that helped distinguish strangulating lesions of the small intestine from simple obstructions and enteritis. Finally horses were euthanized due to grave or poor prognosis. Strangulating obstruction of the small intestine is one of the most lethal forms of equine colic. Minimization of colic episodes depends on management factors, including feeding large quantities of forage, minimizing the amount of concentrate fed and ensuring adequate parasite control.