Flatulent Colic

Also known as: Gas colic

Introduction

Flatulent colic occurs due to the overproduction and accumulation of gas in the large intestine and caecum leading to a distension of the caecum.

Signalment

The condition can be associated with grazing on lush pasture.

Diagnosis

Clinical signs

• Right sided abdominal distention
• Severe abdominal pain

See clinical signs of colic

On auscultation of the gastro-intestinal tract, there will be a tympanitic sounds on the right hand side. On rectal examination the distended loops of bowel obstruct the rectum.

See Colic Diagnosis in the Horse

Treatment

The distension can be relieved by trocharisation of the caecal head at the right sub-lumbar fossa, performed under ultrasound guidance. Starvation and intravenous fluid therapy are also beneficial.

If the use of a trochar does not relieve the distension then the colic should be considered surgical as this condition cannot be distinguished from distension due to surgical displacements of the large colon.

See Medical Treatment of Colic in Horses

Flatulent Colic Learning Resources
Literature Search Search for recent publications via CAB Abstract (CABI log in required)	Flatulent colic publications

References

• Blood, D.C. and Studdert, V. P. (1999) Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary (2nd Edition) Elsevier Science
• Knottenbelt, D.C, Edwards, B., Mckane, S., and Proudman, C. Equine Gastroenterology University of Liverpool
• Merck & Co (2008) The Merck Veterinary Manual (Eighth Edition) Merial
• Rose, R. J. and Hodgson, D. R. (2000) Manual of Equine Practice (Second Edition) Sauders.
• White, N.A., Edwards, G.B. (1999) Handbook of Equine Colic Reed Educational and Professional Publishing Ltd

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