Stomach Rupture

Pathogenesis

  • Rupture usually occurs along greater curvature.
  • While the muscle ruptures, the mucosa does not as it is much more flexible.
    • Occasionally stomach ruptures completely.
  • Bacteria invade the abdomen, producting peritonitis.
    • Horses are acutely sensitive to peritonitis (ruminants are much less so).
    • This makes rupture acutely fatal, but animals usually die first from shock.

Note

  • Post- mortem rupture of the stomach may be seen in horses that have been dead for a few days.
    • This is due to gas accumulation
  • Ante-mortem rupture usually has haemorrhage associated with edges of lesion.