Impaction Colic - Donkey
If impactions are diagnosed early enough, most respond to conservative, medical therapy comprised of oral laxatives, mild analgesics and intravenous or oral fluids. If the donkey is bedded on straw then this should be replaced with non-edible bedding. One to two litres of mineral oil may be administered by nasogastric tube over 12 to 24 hours in combination with oral rehydration products. The administration of mineral oil to treat caecal impactions is less effective than it is in the treatment of large colon impactions because the oil can pass straight into the colon without penetrating the caecal mass.
Regular rectal examination is required to monitor the clearing of the impaction. Some cases may require repeated nasogastric administration of fluids/mineral oil and administration of intravenous fluids to allow over-hydration.
If the condition does not respond to medical treatment, evacuation of the caecum or large colon can be carried out at laparotomy. In these cases the impaction may have been present for some time and the intestinal wall may have become compromised, making the animal a less favourable surgical candidate.
Prevention of impactive conditions
Factors thought to contribute to the development of the impaction are poor dentition, coarseness of feed and decreased exercise. For example, exercise will be decreased when a donkey is lame or is hospitalised for any reason, or following changes in management, such as when donkeys are brought in from the fields for the winter months. Certain measures can therefore be undertaken to prevent the development of the impactions. These include regular dental checks and treatment, soft wet feeds during hospitalisation or bouts of laminitis, and the avoidance of sudden management changes. At The Donkey Sanctuary the donkeys are housed for increasing periods of time over a two- to four-week period during the autumn to accustom them to being inside for the winter.
Literature Search
Use these links to find recent scientific publications via CAB Abstracts (log in required unless accessing from a subscribing organisation).
Impaction Colic in donkeys publications
References
- Duffield, H. (2008) Colic In Svendsen, E.D., Duncan, J. and Hadrill, D. (2008) The Professional Handbook of the Donkey, 4th edition, Whittet Books, Chapter 3
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