Paralytic Ileus

• A common condition.
• Occurs following trauma or abdominal surgery.
• Stasis of gut flow due to failure of peristalsis.
  • Leads to distension with gas and fluid, as well as a flaccid intestinal wall.

Causes

• Anything which stops peristalsis, e.g.
  • Damage to nerve supply to intestine (autonomic nervous system)
  • Pain
  • Abnormal metabolism
  • Toxaemia
  • Electrolyte imbalance such as hypocalcaemia, hypomagnesaemia, and hypokalaemia.
• Also in
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Uraemia
  • Tetanus
  • Lead poisoning.

Pathology

• loss of smooth muscle tone leads to a flaccid bowel.
• Bowel is distended with fluid.

Pathogenesis

• Intestine susceptible to neurogenic damage during an operation.
• Peristalsis fades away over a few days producing paralytic (adynamic) ileus.
• Particularly occurs if bowel handled roughly, or if serosa gets cold and dry at surgery.
• Very difficult to start peristalsis again but will sometimes respond to pharmacological or electrical stimulation.
• The horse is very susceptible, and the dog is somewhat suscpeitble.