Alimentary System Foreign Body - Horse
Medical Treatment of Colic in Horses
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Description
Primary obstruction may occur due to the physical blockage of the gastrointestinal tract by ingested material such as baling twine, hair or fencing material. Ingestion of objects such as nails, wire or sharp stones may also lead to obstruction via the formation of an enterolith. The most common site for foreign body obstruction is at the junction of the right dorsal and transverse colon due to the reduction in lumenal diameter at this point.
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. Signs may initially be gradual in onset, becoming more severe as time passes. Affected horses often present with signs of mild to moderate abdominal pain such as rolling, pawing and flank-watching. Other clinical signs may include inappetance, depression, absence or reduction in faecal output and abdominal distension.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is usually based on history of ingestion of foreign material combined with clinical signs of abdominal pain. Affected horses are generally unresponsive to medical management. The foreign body may be palpable during rectal examination.
Treatment
The treatment for intestinal foreign bodies is usually surgical removal via laparotomy. Initially, the case may be difficult to distinguish from a large colon impaction and treatment in the early stages may consist of fluid therapy and administration of laxatives such as mineral oil.