Changes

==Description==

==Description==

'''Spasmodic colic''' is the most common cause of colic, it accounts for 72% of all colic cases, and 90% of colic cases seen in first-opinion practice. The eitiology of the condition is unknown, it is characterised by intermittent mild episodes of abdominal pain which is due to increased peristaltic activity in the gastro-intestinal tract.  

'''Spasmodic colic''' is the most common cause of colic, it accounts for 72% of all colic cases, and 90% of colic cases seen in first-opinion practice. The etiology of the condition is unknown, it is characterised by intermittent mild episodes of abdominal pain which is due to increased peristaltic activity in the gastro-intestinal tract.  

 

   

   

==Signalment==

==Signalment==

Horses of any age and breed can be affcted. The condition has been associated with:  

Horses of any age and breed can be affected. The condition has been associated with:  

* Heavy parasitic infection, especially tapeworms

* Heavy parasitic infection, especially tapeworms

* Change in diet

* Change in diet

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==

Diagnosis can be made on a combination of clinical signs and response to treatment. The clinical signs are of mild colic, with hypermotile gut sounds on auscultation of the gastro-intestinal tract. The response to treatment is rapid and complete, or the discomfort may resolve spontaneously.  

Diagnosis can be made on a combination of clinical signs and response to treatment. The clinical signs are of mild colic, with hypermotile gut sounds on auscultation of the gastro-intestinal tract. The response to treatment is rapid and complete, or the discomfort may resolve spontaneously.  

Occasionally rolling due to the abdominal discomfort can cause a volvulus, this is a more serious condition requiring surgery.  

Occasionally rolling due to the abdominal discomfort can cause a volvulus, this is a more serious condition requiring surgery.  

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

==References==

==References==

* Blood, D.C. and Studdert, V. P. (1999) '''Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary (2nd Edition)''' ''Elsevier Science''  

* Blood, D.C. and Studdert, V. P. (1999) '''Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary (2nd Edition)''' ''Elsevier Science''  

* Knottenbelt, D.C, Edwards, B., Mckane, S., and Proudman, C. '''Equine Gastroenterology''' ''University of Liverpool''

* Knottenbelt, D.C, Edwards, B., Mckane, S., and Proudman, C. '''Equine Gastroenterology''' ''University of Liverpool''

* Merck & Co (2008) '''The Merck Veterinary Manual (Eighth Edition)''' ''Merial''

* Merck & Co (2008) '''The Merck Veterinary Manual (Eighth Edition)''' ''Merial''

[[Category:Medical Colic in the Horse]]

[[Category:Medical Colic in the Horse]]

[[Category:To_Do_-_lizzyk]]

[[Category:To_Do_-_lizzyk]]

[[Category:To_Do_-_Review]]

[[Category:Expert_Review]]