Enterolith - Horse

See Colic Diagnosis in Horses

Medical Treatment of Colic in Horses

Also known as:

Intestinal calculi

Description

Enteroliths are mineralized concretions of magnesium ammonium phosphate (struvite) that form in the right dorsal colon of the horse. The enteroliths typically form in a concentric pattern around a central nidus such as a silicone stone. The pathogenesis of the disease is not fully understood but long-term ingestion of a diet rich in protein, phosphorus and magnesium (such as alfalfa hay) is thought to be a contributing factor. The relative hypomotility of the right dorsal colon is also thought to have a role in enterolith formation. Small enteroliths may pass through the gastrointestinal tract unnoticed

Signalment

All horses may be affected by enterolithiasis but certain breeds are predisposed including Arabians, Morgans and Miniature horses. Females are more likely to develop enteroliths than males. Thoroughbreds appear to be underrepresented.