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===Diagnosis===
 
===Diagnosis===
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In most cases of enterolithiasis, passage of gas, faeces and lubricants such as mineral oil will still occur. In the case of obstruction, however, the passage of faeces will be blocked and defecation will no longer take place. Rectal examination rarely leads to the identification of an enterolith but may reveal distension of the large colon and tight mesenteric bands. Abdominal radiography may be useful in many horses and is ideally performed after fasting for 24 hours. It is more helpful for detecting enteroliths in the large colon and is generally most successful in small horses or ponies. Enteroliths are seen as sperical, homogeneously opaque bodies within the intestinal lumen.  
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In most cases of enterolithiasis, passage of gas, faeces and lubricants such as mineral oil will still occur. In the case of obstruction, however, the passage of faeces will be blocked and defecation will no longer take place. Rectal examination rarely leads to the identification of an enterolith but may reveal distension of the large colon and tight mesenteric bands. Abdominal radiography may be useful in many horses and is ideally performed after fasting for 24 hours. It is more helpful for detecting enteroliths in the large colon and is generally most successful in small horses or ponies. Enteroliths are seen as sperical, homogeneously opaque bodies within the intestinal lumen. Transrectal or transabdominal ultrasonography may also be diagnostic.
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===Treatment===
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Treatment for all large obstructions is removal via surgical laparotomy (coeliotomy).
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===Prognosis===
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The prognosis is excellent when surgery is performed early. If colonic necrosis or rupture has occurred the prognosis is grave. Horse in which severe cardiovascular compromise has occurred also have a poorer prognosis.
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===Prevention===
     
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