Changes

===Clinical signs===

===Clinical signs===

Clinical signs are dependent on whether the obstruction is partial or complete. Complete obstructions are characterised by acute onset, severe abdominal pain. Partial obstructions are associated with more chronic clinical signs.

Clinical signs are dependent on whether the obstruction is partial or complete. Complete obstructions are characterised by acute onset, severe abdominal pain. Vascular impairment is a feature of complete obstructions and strangulation usually occurs. Large volumes of gastric reflux may be obtained and loops of distended small intestine may be palpated on rectal examination.

 

Partial obstructions are associated with more chronic clinical signs. Abdominal pain may be mild and intermittent. Clinical signs may occur over a period of weeks, during which time muscular hypertrophy of the intestine proximal to the partial obstruction occurs.  

   

   

*Radostits, O. M., Arundel, J. H., Gay, C. C. (2000) '''Veterinary Medicine: A textbook of the diseases of cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and horses''' '' Elsevier Health Sciences''

*Radostits, O. M., Arundel, J. H., Gay, C. C. (2000) '''Veterinary Medicine: A textbook of the diseases of cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and horses''' '' Elsevier Health Sciences''

This is a condition in which one part of the intestine "telescopes" inside another.  Usually this obstructs the blood flow to the inner part, and so forms a strangulating obstruction.  Intussusception can occur within the small intestine, and also between small intestine and caecum (ileo-caecal intussusception).  The latter is predisposed by Anoplocephala perfoliata tapeworm infection.  When working up an acute abdominal case, it must be borne in mind that this form of colic is serious and necessitates surgery, however, peritoneal fluid changes will not usually be seen, as will often be found in a surgical colic.  This is because the strangulated portion of gut (the inside of the "telescope"), is contained within an intact piece of intestine, so leaking fluid and protein is contained from the peritoneal cavity.

This is a condition in which one part of the intestine "telescopes" inside another.  Usually this obstructs the blood flow to the inner part, and so forms a strangulating obstruction.  Intussusception can occur within the small intestine, and also between small intestine and caecum (ileo-caecal intussusception).  The latter is predisposed by Anoplocephala perfoliata tapeworm infection.  When working up an acute abdominal case, it must be borne in mind that this form of colic is serious and necessitates surgery, however, peritoneal fluid changes will not usually be seen, as will often be found in a surgical colic.  This is because the strangulated portion of gut (the inside of the "telescope"), is contained within an intact piece of intestine, so leaking fluid and protein is contained from the peritoneal cavity.