Changes

==Description==

==Description==

Epiploic foramen entrapment in the horse refers to a displacement of small intestine through a small hole or foramen that separates the omental bursa from the peritoneal cavity. The borders of the epiploic foramen are made up of the vena cava, hepatic portal vein, liver and pancreas.

Epiploic foramen entrapment in the horse refers to a displacement of small intestine through a small hole or foramen that separates the omental bursa from the peritoneal cavity. This form of obstruction accounts for between 2% and 8% of horses undergoing exploratory laparotomy for colic. The borders of the epiploic foramen are made up of the vena cava, hepatic portal vein, liver and pancreas.

==Signalment==

==Signalment==

Horses of all ages and breed may be affected but older horses are thought to be more prone to developing epiploic foramen entrapment. It has been hypothesised that this may be due enlargement of the epiploic foramen following atrophy of the right liver lobe. However, the disease has also been reported in foals. Crib-biting behaviour is also thought to increase the risk of entrapment.  

Horses of all ages and breed may be affected but older horses are thought to be more prone to developing epiploic foramen entrapment. It has been hypothesised that this may be due enlargement of the epiploic foramen following age-related atrophy of the right liver lobe. However, the disease has also been reported in foals. Crib-biting behaviour is also thought to increase the risk of entrapment.

 

==Clinical signs==

==Clinical signs==

The presentation of this condition is similar to that of other strangulating lesions such as small intestinal volvulus. Horses with epiploic foramen entrapment frequently exhibit acute onset and severe abdominal pain that is usually non-responsive to analgesia. A rare feature of the condition is sudden death due to rupture of the portal vein and subsequent haemorrhage.

The presentation of this condition is similar to that of other strangulating lesions such as small intestinal volvulus. Horses with epiploic foramen entrapment frequently exhibit acute onset and severe abdominal pain that is usually non-responsive to analgesia. This is often characterised by clinical signs including rolling, pawing at the ground, flank watching and kicking at the abdomen. Other clinical signs may include tachycardia, tachypnoea, prolonged capillary refill time and congested mucous membranes. A rare feature of the condition is sudden death due to rupture of the portal vein and subsequent haemorrhage.

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==