Caeco-Caecal Intussusception - Horse

Description

Caeco-caecal intussusception results from uncoordinated peristalsis allowing the apex of the caecum to invaginate into the base. It is a fairy rare cause of colic, accounting for only 3-5% of caecal disease in the horse.

Signalment

Predisposing factors include caecal abscesses, motility-affecting drugs and parasites including Cyathostome species and Anoplocephala.

Diagnosis

Clinical Signs

• Abdominal pain
• Pyrexia
• Tachycardia
• Colic signs

Severity of clinical signs depend on the duration of the intussusception and the degree of cardiovascular compromise, ischemia and toxaemia resulting from the condition. Early diagnosis is important.

If the intussusception is associated with parasite infestation then there will likely be additional clinical signs of weight loss, diarrhoea and in some cases ventral oedema.

Diagnosis can be made on rectal examination in some cases; the base of the caecum can be palpated in the right caudal abdomen, it is thickened, oedematous, and firmer than usual. In other cases caecal involvement can be identified on rectal palpation but definitive diagnosis of intussusception is made at laparotomy under general anaesthesia.

See Colic Diagnosis in Horses

Treatment

Treatment is by surgical reduction of the intussusception at laparotomy under general anaesthesia. The caecum must be closely inspected; a partial or total tylephectomy may need to be performed if the tissue is severely damaged or if the intussusception cannot be reduced.

IV fluid therapy and flunixin meglumate should be administered.

Caeco-Caecal Intussusception - Horse Learning Resources
Literature Search Search for recent publications via CAB Abstract (CABI log in required)	Caecal Intussusception in Horses

References

• Dart, A.J, Dowling, B.A, and Hodgson, D.R. (1999)Caecal Disease Equine Veterinary Education, 11: 182-188
• Mair, T., Love, S., Schumacher, J. and Watson, E. (1998) Equine Medicine, Surgery and Reproduction WB Saunders Company Ltd
• Merck & Co (2008) The Merck Veterinary Manual (Eighth Edition) Merial
• White, N.A., Edwards, G.B. (1999) Handbook of Equine Colic Reed Educational and Professional Publishing Ltd

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