Difference between revisions of "Spasmodic Colic"
| Line 7: | Line 7: | ||
==Signalment== | ==Signalment== | ||
| − | Horses of any age and breed can be affcted. The condition has been associated with | + | Horses of any age and breed can be affcted. The condition has been associated with: |
* Heavy parasitic infection, especially tapeworms | * Heavy parasitic infection, especially tapeworms | ||
* Change in diet | * Change in diet | ||
| Line 14: | Line 14: | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
| + | |||
| + | Diagnosis can be made on a combination of clinical signs and response to treatment. The clinical signs are of mild colic, with hypermotile gut sounds on auscultation of the gastro-intestinal tract. The response to treatment is rapid and complete, or the discomfort may resolve spontaneously. | ||
Cases are usually easily resolved by treating with a spasmolytic such as Buscopan, and a mild analgesic such as phenylbutazone. | Cases are usually easily resolved by treating with a spasmolytic such as Buscopan, and a mild analgesic such as phenylbutazone. | ||
Revision as of 16:48, 3 August 2010
Clincal signs
Description
Spasmodic colic is the most common cause of colic, it accounts for 72% of all colic cases, and 90% of colic cases seen in first-opinion practice. The eitiology of the condition is unknown, it is characterised by intermittent mild episodes of abdominal pain which is due to increased peristaltic activity in the gastro-intestinal tract.
Signalment
Horses of any age and breed can be affcted. The condition has been associated with:
- Heavy parasitic infection, especially tapeworms
- Change in diet
- Change in work
- Excitement
Diagnosis
Diagnosis can be made on a combination of clinical signs and response to treatment. The clinical signs are of mild colic, with hypermotile gut sounds on auscultation of the gastro-intestinal tract. The response to treatment is rapid and complete, or the discomfort may resolve spontaneously.
Cases are usually easily resolved by treating with a spasmolytic such as Buscopan, and a mild analgesic such as phenylbutazone.