Changes

==Description==

==Description==

'''Caecal impaction''' in horses occurs in two forms. In '''primary impactions''' the caecum contains dry, relatively solid ingesta which may be localised to the crainial part of the caecal base, or extend to fill the whole visera. The onset of clinical signs is 5-7 days and the associated signs are of low grade intermittent colic.  

'''Caecal impaction''' in horses occurs in two forms. In '''primary impactions''' the caecum contains dry, relatively solid ingesta which may be localised to the crainial part of the caecal base, or extend to fill the whole visera. The onset of clinical signs is typically 5-7 days and the associated signs are of low grade intermittent colic.  

'''Secondary impactions''' are a result of caecal dysfunction, the caecal content is fluid and the vicera is distended and imotile. This syndrome usually occurs in the post-operative period and early signs may be missed, being attributed to discomfort following surgery or the concurrent condition. The   

'''Secondary impactions''' are a result of caecal dysfunction, the caecal content is fluid and the vicera is distended and imotile. This syndrome usually occurs in the post-operative period and early signs may be missed, being attributed to discomfort following surgery or the concurrent condition. The delayed diagnosis results in a serious situation where the caecum becomes so distended that rupture is imminent.    

      

      

==Signalment==

==Signalment==

Diagnosis can be made on rectal examintion, the caecum is firmer and filled with ingesta and can be indented digitally. The caecal mass will be palpated in the right paralumbar area, identified by the taut ventral caecal band and the fat and blood vessels overlying the medial caecal band.   

Diagnosis can be made on rectal examintion, the caecum is firmer and filled with ingesta and can be indented digitally. The caecal mass will be palpated in the right paralumbar area, identified by the taut ventral caecal band and the fat and blood vessels overlying the medial caecal band.   

In most cases the impaction is not sufficiently severe or prolonged to cause cardiovascular compromise or changes in peritoneal fluid, but if the case is chronic or progresses to rupture then the condition is serious and the horse should be closely monitored for worsening clinical signs.  

Dehydration develops as the impaction becomes estabilised; in most cases the impaction is not sufficiently severe or prolonged to cause cardiovascular compromise or changes in peritoneal fluid, but if the case is chronic or progresses to rupture then the condition is serious and the horse should be closely monitored for worsening clinical signs. There will be an increase in the protein content of peritoneal fluid and 

    

    

See <big>'''[[:Category:Colic Diagnosis in the Horse|Colic Diagnosis in Horses]]

See <big>'''[[:Category:Colic Diagnosis in the Horse|Colic Diagnosis in Horses]]

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

'''[[Colic, Medical Treatment|Medical Treatment of Colic in Horses]]'''</big>  

'''[[Colic, Medical Treatment|Medical Treatment of Colic in Horses]]'''</big>