Small Intestine Impaction - Horse

Description

Small Instestinal impaction causes total or partial obstruction of the instestinal lumen resulting in colic. The obstruction is most often associated with ascarid infection^[1] in young horses, or ileal impaction due to ingestion of bermuda grass in the USA or tapeworm infection in the UK.

Impaction may also result due to postoperative ileus; the risk can be minimised by good surgical technique, appropriate postoperative care and the adminstration of prokinectic drugs.

Signalment

Foals and yearlings are particularly susceptible to infection with ascarids, impaction usually occurs following the adminstration of an anthelmintic with a high efficacy.

Diagnosis

Clinical Signs

See Colic Diagnosis in Horses

Treatment

See Medical Treatment of Colic in Horses

Prognosis

Refernces

Mair, T.S, Divers, T.J, Ducharme, N.G (2002) Manual of Equine Gastroenterology, WB Saunders.
Merck & Co (2008) The Merck Veterinary Manual (Eighth Edition) Merial

↑ Cribb NC, Cote NM, Bouré LP, Peregrine AS. (2006). Acute small intestinal obstruction associated with Parascaris equorum infection in young horses: 25 cases (1985-2004).. New Zealand Veterinary Journal

[1] Cribb NC, Cote NM, Bouré LP, Peregrine AS. (2006). Acute small intestinal obstruction associated with Parascaris equorum infection in young horses: 25 cases (1985-2004).. New Zealand Veterinary Journal

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