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

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.