Epiploic Foramen Entrapment - Horse

Herniation/Entrapment

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.

Clinical signs

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.

Diagnosis

Nasogastric reflux is frequently present but may not lead to pain relief. Rectal palpation is often unrewarding due to the anterior position of the lesion but may reveal small intestinal distension. Transabdominal ultrasonography may reveal distended, hypomotile small intestine. Abdominocentesis is often useful to determine the degree of strangulation and peritoneal fluid may be serosanguineous with an increased lactate, total protein and leukocyte count.

References

• Bentz, B. (2004) Understanding Equine Colic Eclipse Press
• Orsini, J. A., Divers, T. (2007) Equine Emergencies: Treatment and Procedures Elsevier Health Sciences
• Radostits, O. M., Arundel, J. H., Gay, C. C. (2000) Veterinary Medicine: a textbook of the diseases of cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and horses Elsevier Health Sciences

See Colic Diagnosis in Horses

Medical Treatment of Colic in Horses

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• Inguinal canal
• Umbilical hernia
• Epiploic foramen
• Mesenteric rents/tears
• Diaphragmatic hernia
• Mesodiverticular bands
• Gastrosplenic ligament