Small Colon Impaction - Horse

Also known as:

Colic Impaction Simple Obstruction Large Intestinal Simple Obstruction Large Intestinal Obstruction Large Intestinal Impaction Large Intestinal Mechanical Obstruction Small Colon Obstruction Small Colon Simple Obstruction Small Colon Mechanical Obstruction

See also:

Colic, Small Colon Causes

Description

Different from other types of impaction in predispositions and clinical appearance(BLiks)

Aetiology

Key risk factor is diarrhoea(117 in Bliks). The oedema of the colonic mucosa associated with pro-infammatory causes of diarrhoeal disease that is usually noted in the ascendng colon but may extend into the transverse and small colons. Once diarrhoeal disease is initiated, large volumes of ingesta are rapidly expelled from the ascending colon into the small colon, which has a far smaller diameter, especialyl if it is oedematous. This may result in the intial appearance of diarrhoea, followed by intermittent episodes fo colic that may be explained by impaction. Horses should be closely observed for impaction even if dirrhoea is present. Post-diarrhoeal disease is not the only form of small colon impaction. These impactions can be formed as simple collections of ingesta or in response to luminal narrowing.

Diagnosis

Other parameters that are typically elpful for assessing the severity of colic such as heart rate, were not predictive of obstruction in horses with small colon impaction(117). Refractory colic is less pronounced in this disease.

Treatment

Horses may be treated medically during the ealry stages with fluids, laxatives and analgesics. The key clinical sign that idnicates the need for surgery is abdominal distension associated with distension of the large colon.