Alimentary System Foreign Body - Horse

See Colic Diagnosis in Horses

Medical Treatment of Colic in Horses

Description

Primary obstruction may occur due to the physical blockage of the gastrointestinal tract by material such as baling twine, hair or fencing material. Foreign body ingestion of materials such as nails, wire or sharp stones may also lead to obstruction via the formation of an enterolith. The aetiology for enterolith formation is largely unknown but requires in increase in colonic pH.

Signalment

Foreign body obstruction is most common in younger horses due to their often indiscriminate feeding habits.

Clinical signs

There are few pathognomonic features of foreign body ingestion in the horse and an accurate and thorough history is particularly important in suspected cases.