[[Dehydration - Pathology|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 as well as cardiovascular signs of shock as the caecum becomes grossly distended, ischaemia of the visera occurs and toxaemia develops as the caecum eventually ruptures. | [[Dehydration - Pathology|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 as well as cardiovascular signs of shock as the caecum becomes grossly distended, ischaemia of the visera occurs and toxaemia develops as the caecum eventually ruptures. |