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==Description==
==Description==
A '''faecolith''' is a hard discreet mass of insipissated faeces. It can cause obstruction in the small or large colon resulting in colic and reduced faecal output. The faecolith forms around an initial nidus of indigestible plant material or a small foreign body, such as thread, string or rubber. Obstruction due to faecoloiths usually occurs at the narrower portions of the gut, at the pelvic flexure, small colon and transverse colon. The severity of clinical signs depends on the degree of obstruction; the faecolith develops fairly rapidly in comparison to [[Enterolith - Horse|enteroliths]].
A '''faecolith''' is a hard discreet mass of inspissated faeces. It can cause obstruction in the small or large colon resulting in colic and reduced faecal output. The faecolith forms around an initial nidus of indigestible plant material or a small foreign body, such as thread, string or rubber. Obstruction due to faecoliths usually occurs at the narrower portions of the gut, at the pelvic flexure, small colon and transverse colon. The severity of clinical signs depends on the degree of obstruction; the faecolith develops fairly rapidly in comparison to [[Enterolith - Horse|enteroliths]].
==Signalment==
==Signalment==
Inappropriate '''diet''' and '''dental problems''' predispose to faecoliths. '''Miniature''' horses are most commonly affected. The condition can occur at any time of year, but is more prevalent in late autumn when the pasture is coarse and water intake is reduced due to cooler temperatures.
==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
===Clincal signs===
===Clinical signs===
* Reduced faceal output
* Reduced faceal output
* Abdominal pain
* Abdominal pain
* Sings of colic
* Sings of colic
The clinical signs depend on whether the obstruction is partial or compplete. Complete obstructions will cause acute clinical signs due to the build up of gas and ingesta proximal to the obstruction. Faecoliths more commonly casue partial obstructions, signs are milder and often intermittent.
The clinical signs depend on whether the obstruction is partial or complete. Complete obstructions will cause acute clinical signs due to the buildup of gas and ingesta proximal to the obstruction. Faecoliths more commonly cause partial obstructions; signs are milder and often intermittent.
Rectal palpation will detect faecoliths in some cases depending on their size and location. In other cases diagnosis will be made at surgery.
Rectal palpation will detect faecoliths in some cases depending on their size and location. In other cases diagnosis will be made at surgery.
==Treatment==
==Treatment==
Some faecoliths are small enough to be passed normally by the horse, in these cases clinical signs will resolve and the horse will return to normal. Management changes addressing feed and/or teeth should be implemented to prevent reoccurance.
Some faecoliths are small enough to be passed normally by the horse, in these cases clinical signs will resolve and the horse will return to normal. Management changes addressing feed and/or teeth should be implemented to prevent reoccurence.
For faecoliths causing significant clinical signs surgical removal is carried out under general anaesthesia. The colonic contents and the faecolith is removed by a pelvic flexure enterotomy. If the faecolith is very large it may need to be broken down in situ before removal.
For faecoliths causing significant clinical signs surgical removal is carried out under general anaesthesia. The colonic contents and the faecolith are removed by a pelvic flexure enterotomy. If the faecolith is very large it may need to be broken down in situ before removal.
IV fluid therapy and approapriate analgesia should be administered as outlined in '''[[Colic, Medical Treatment|Medical Treatment of Colic in Horses]]'''
IV fluid therapy and appropriate analgesia should be administered as outlined in '''[[Colic, Medical Treatment|Medical Treatment of Colic in Horses]]'''
==References==
==References==