Changes

Usually made at surgery.  Although early rectal examination may permit identification of the impaction low in the right caudal abdominal quadrant, subsequent distention of the jejunum may make this identification difficult or impossible. The most common differential diagnosis is proximal jejunitis, and distinguishing the 2 conditions can often be difficult. Because the horse’s condition initially may remain stable and the degree of abdominal pain may be mild, many horses with this condition are not referred for intensive care or surgery for >18 hr. The protein concentration of the peritoneal fluid may increase if the impaction has persisted for this long. Rectal palpation may identify loops of distended small intestine as the condition progresses.

Usually made at surgery.  Although early rectal examination may permit identification of the impaction low in the right caudal abdominal quadrant, subsequent distention of the jejunum may make this identification difficult or impossible. The most common differential diagnosis is proximal jejunitis, and distinguishing the 2 conditions can often be difficult. Because the horse’s condition initially may remain stable and the degree of abdominal pain may be mild, many horses with this condition are not referred for intensive care or surgery for >18 hr. The protein concentration of the peritoneal fluid may increase if the impaction has persisted for this long. Rectal palpation may identify loops of distended small intestine as the condition progresses.

Treatment consisted of intravenous administration of a balanced electrolyte solution, nasogastric intubation and siphonage, and administration of analgesics. Mineral oil was administered after gastric reflux had ceased. Mean time for resolution of ileal impaction was 11.7 hours.

Treatment consisted of intravenous administration of a balanced electrolyte solution, nasogastric intubation and siphonage, and administration of analgesics. Mineral oil was administered after gastric reflux had ceased. Mean time for resolution of ileal impaction was 11.7 hours.

Medical treatment may be a viable alternative for horses that cannot have surgery,provided persistent signs of severe pain or progressive gaseous distention ofthe small intestine are not features of the condition. Improvement ofcardiovascular status, reduction in signs of abdominal pain, decrease in distentionof loops of small intestine during repeated transrectal examination, softeningof the impaction, and decreases in amounts of gastric reflux were indicative ofa response to medical treatment.

Medical treatment may be a viable alternative for horses that cannot have surgery,provided persistent signs of severe pain or progressive gaseous distention ofthe small intestine are not features of the condition. Improvement ofcardiovascular status, reduction in signs of abdominal pain, decrease in distentionof loops of small intestine during repeated transrectal examination, softeningof the impaction, and decreases in amounts of gastric reflux were indicative ofa response to medical treatment.(Hanson Schumacher)

==Complications==

==Complications==