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Small Intestine Volvulus - Horse (view source)
Revision as of 16:14, 2 August 2010
, 16:14, 2 August 2010no edit summary
SI volvulus has been reported to be more common in horses less than three years of age, and to be particularly prevalent in foals aged two to four months. This has been hypothesised to be due to a change in diet from milk to solid food at this age.
SI volvulus has been reported to be more common in horses less than three years of age, and to be particularly prevalent in foals aged two to four months. This has been hypothesised to be due to a change in diet from milk to solid food at this age.
===Clinical signs===
===Clinical signs===
* Reduced/absent borborygmi
* Reduced/absent borborygmi
* Dehydration
* Dehydration
In addition to the above signs, signs relating to endotoxaemia may be present including prolonged capillary refill time, congested mucous membranes and poor pulse quality. Abdominal distension may be observed, especially in cases where the mesenteric root is involved.
In addition to the above signs, signs relating to endotoxaemia may be present including prolonged capillary refill time, congested mucous membranes and poor pulse quality. Abdominal distension may be observed, especially in cases where the mesenteric root is involved.
Diagnosis is made on the above clinical signs and a combination of confirmatory tests. Large volumes of nasogastric reflux may be obtained; greater than 2L of fluid with a pH greater than 5 is considered abnormal. Rectal examination may indicate multiple distended loops of small intestine, a finding that usually indicates the need for surgical intervention. Ultrasonographic examination often reveals a distended, oedematous, fluid-filled small intestine proximal to the strangulated segment. The intestinal wall is hypoechoic and peristalsis may be absent. PCV and total protein are increased with a concurrent increase in respiratory rate to compensate for metabolic acidosis. Abdominocentesis may initiall yield a mildly serosanguineous fluid; as strangulation continues, the fluid becomes turbulent with a large increase in white blood cells and protein.
Diagnosis is made on the above clinical signs and a combination of confirmatory tests. Large volumes of nasogastric reflux may be obtained; greater than 2L of fluid with a pH greater than 5 is considered abnormal. Rectal examination may indicate multiple distended loops of small intestine, a finding that usually indicates the need for surgical intervention. Ultrasonographic examination often reveals a distended, oedematous, fluid-filled small intestine proximal to the strangulated segment. The intestinal wall is hypoechoic and peristalsis may be absent. PCV and total protein are increased with a concurrent increase in respiratory rate to compensate for metabolic acidosis. Abdominocentesis may initiall yield a mildly serosanguineous fluid; as strangulation continues, the fluid becomes turbulent with a large increase in white blood cells and protein.
===Treatment===
===Treatment===