Changes

===Faecal Examination===

===Faecal Examination===

The amount of faeces produced, and its character can be helpful, although as changes often occur relatively distant to the anus, changes may not be seen for some time. In areas where sand colic is known to be common, or if the history suggests it may be a possibility, faeces can be examined for the presence of sand, often by immersion in water, or simply by its texture. The presence of diarrhoea is common in sand colic, and can be seen in horses with enteroliths.  Otherwise, diarrhoea is usually indicative of a non-surgical condition, although it can be associated with life threatening conditions such as [[salmonellosis]].

The amount of faeces produced, and its character can be helpful. The texture of the faeces can indicate digestive or dental disorders affecting prehension, mastication and absorption of the diet, as well as hydration. Parasitic disease can be diagnosed by the detection of parasite ova using fecal floatation techniques. The faeces can also be examined for the presence of bacteria, parasites, viruses and blood. [[Rotaviruses]] are a common cause of diarrhoea in foals and can be diagnosed by detection of the virus in ELISAs or by electron microscopy. Bacteria such as [[Escherichia coli]], [[Campylobacter species|Campylobacter]] , [[Salmonellosis|Salmonella]] and [[Colitis X|Clostridium species]]. In areas where sand colic is known to be common, or if the history suggests it may be a possibility, faeces can be examined for the presence of sand, often by immersion in water, or simply by its texture. Diarrhea is usually indicative of a non-surgical condition, although it can be associated with life threatening conditions such as [[salmonellosis]].

===Abdominal Ultrasound===

===Abdominal Ultrasound===