Small Intestine Volvulus - Horse

(nodosus) See Colic Diagnosis in Horses

Medical Treatment of Colic in Horses

Description

A small intestinal volvulus occurs in the horse when the intestine rotates on its mesenteric axis through an angle greater than 180o, resulting in strangulation. Volvulus may occur as a primary cause of colic or secondarily as a result of another condition

Clinical signs

  • Severe, unrelenting abdominal pain that is non-responsive to analgesia
  • Tachycardia
  • Tachypnoea
  • Reduced/absent borborygmi
  • Dehydration

In addition to the above signs, signs relating to endotoxaemia may be present including prolonged capillary refill time, congested mucous membranes.