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==Description==

==Description==

An intussusception is an invagination of a length of intestine (the intussusceptum) into an adjacent more distal segment (the intussuscipiens). The small intestine is the most common site for this to occur. The length of intestine affected may range from a few centimeters up to a metre. Intussuception in the horse most commonly involves the ileum (ileo-caecal or ileo-ileal). Jejuno-jejunal intussusceptions also occur in the horse but they are considerably less common.  

An intussusception is an invagination or 'telescoping' of a length of intestine (the intussusceptum) into an adjacent, more distal segment (the intussuscipiens). The small intestine is the most common site for this to occur. The length of intestine affected may range from a few centimeters up to a metre. Intussuception in the horse most commonly involves the ileum (ileo-caecal or ileo-ileal). Jejuno-jejunal intussusceptions also occur in the horse but they are considerably less common.  

The aetiology of the condition is not fully understood, but is thought to be due to underlying disorders of gut motility. This may be due to one of several conditions including parastitism, enteritis, use of anthelmintics and surgical trauma.

The aetiology of the condition is not fully understood, but is thought to be due to underlying disorders of gut motility. This may be due to one of several conditions including parastitism, enteritis, use of anthelmintics and surgical trauma.

==Signalment==

==Signalment==

Small intestinal intussusceptions can occur in horses of all ages but those aged between six months to three years are most commonly affected. There is no breed or sex predilection.

Small intestinal intussusceptions can occur in horses of all ages but those aged between six months to three years are most commonly affected. There is no breed or sex predilection.

   

   

==Clinical signs==

==Clinical signs==

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==

Abdominal ultrasonography may reveal a characteristic target or 'bulls eye' lesion on cross section. Peristalsis in the affected region is reduced or absent. Oedema and thickening (>3mm) of the intestinal wall are often seen with a distended, fluid filled region proximal to the intussusception. In the case of jejuno-jeunal intussusceptions, rectal examination may reveal a sausage-shaped, tubular structure in the mid-abdomen of the horse.

Diagnosis of intussusception in the horse may be difficult as abdominocentesis rarely reveals any abnormalities. This is due to the strangulated portion of gut being contained within the intussuscipiens. In the case of jejuno-jejunal intussusceptions, rectal examination may reveal a sausage-shaped, tubular structure in the mid abdomen of the horse. Definitive diagnosis, however, is often based on findings at laparotomy.

Abdominocentesis rarely reveals any abnormalities due to the strangulated portion of gut being contained within the intussuscipiens.  

Abdominal ultrasonography may reveal a characteristic target or 'bulls eye' lesion on cross section. Peristalsis in the affected region is reduced or absent. Oedema and thickening (>3mm) of the intestinal wall are often seen with a distended, fluid filled region proximal to the intussusception.  

   

   

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

===References===

==References==

*McIlwraith, C. W., Turner, Robertson, J. T. (1998) '''McIlwraith & Turner's Equine Surgery: advanced techniques''' ''Wiley-Blackwell''

*McIlwraith, C. W., Turner, Robertson, J. T. (1998) '''McIlwraith & Turner's Equine Surgery: advanced techniques''' ''Wiley-Blackwell''

[[Category:Surgical Colic in the Horse]]

[[Category:Surgical Colic in the Horse]]

[[Category:To_Do_-_SophieIgnarski]]

[[Category:To_Do_-_SophieIgnarski]]