Difference between revisions of "Caeco-Caecal Intussusception - Horse"

Revision as of 14:20, 12 August 2010

Description

Caeco-caecal intusssception results from uncoordinated peristalsis allowing the apex of the caecum to invaginate into the base. It is a fairy rare cause of colic, accounting for only 3-5% of caecal disease in the horse.

Signalment

Predisposing factors include caecal abscesses, motility-affecting drugs and parasites including Cyathostome species and Anoplocephala.

Diagnosis

Clinical Signs

Adbominal pain
Pyrexia
Tachycardia
Colic signs

Severity of clinical signs depend on the duration of the intussusception and the degree of cardiovascular compromise, ischemia and toxaemia resulting from the condition. Early diagnosis is important.

If the intussusception is associated with parasite infestation then there will likely be additional clinical signs of weight loss, diarrhoea and

Diagnosis can be made on rectal examination in some cases; the base of the caecum can be palpated in the right caudal abdomen, it is thickened, oedematous, and firmer than usual. In other cases caecal involvement can be identified on rectal palpation but definitive diagnosis of intussusception is made at laparotomy under general anaesthesia.

See Colic Diagnosis in Horses

Treatment

Treatment is by surgical reduction of the intussusception at laparotomy under general anaesthesia. The caecum must be closely inspected, a partial or total tylephectomy may need to be performed if the tissue is severly damaged or if the intussusception cannot be reduced.

IV fliud therapy and flunixin meglumate should be administered.

See Medical Treatment of Colic in Horses

References

Dart, A.J, Dowling, B.A, and Hodgson, D.R. (1999)Caecal Disease Equine Veterinary Education, 11: 182-188
Mair, T., Love, S., Schumacher, J. and Watson, E. (1998) Equine Medicine, Surgery and Reproduction WB Saunders Company Ltd
Merck & Co (2008) The Merck Veterinary Manual (Eighth Edition) Merial
White, N.A., Edwards, G.B. (1999) Handbook of Equine Colic Reed Educational and Professional Publishing Ltd

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 If the intussusception is associated with parasite infestation then there will likely be additional clinical signs of weight loss, diarrhoea and
-Diagnosis can be made on [[Rectal Examination in the Horse|rectal examination]] in some cases; the base of the caecum can be palpated in the right caudal abdomen, it is thickened, oedematous, and firmer than usual. In other cases caecal involvement can be identified on rectal palpation but definitive diagnosis of intussusception is made at laparotomy under general anaesthesia.
+Diagnosis can be made on [[Rectal Examination of the Horse|rectal examination]] in some cases; the base of the caecum can be palpated in the right caudal abdomen, it is thickened, oedematous, and firmer than usual. In other cases caecal involvement can be identified on rectal palpation but definitive diagnosis of intussusception is made at laparotomy under general anaesthesia.
 See '''[[:Category:Colic Diagnosis in the Horse|Colic Diagnosis in Horses]]'''