Impaction - Horse

Also known as:

Colic Impaction Simple Obstruction Mechanical Obstruction Functional Obstruction Oesophageal obstruction Choke Gastric Impaction Small Intestinal Simple Obstruction Ascarid Impaction Ileal Impaction Large Intestinal Simple Obstruction Caecal Impaction Colon Impaction Large Colon Impaction Pelvic Flexure Impaction Sand Impaction Small Colon Impaction Meconium Impaction

See also:

Colic in Horses Colic Diagnosis in Horses Medical Colic in the Horse Medical Treatment of Colic Surgical Colic in the Horse

Description

Impactions are simple obstructions of the gastrointestinal system. In the horse they include:

• Oesophageal obstruction ('choke')
• Gastric impaction
• Small intestinal simple obstruction
  • Ascarid impaction
  • Ileal impaction
• Large intestinal simple obstruction
  • Caecal impaction
  • Large colon impaction
  • Sand impaction
  • Small colon impaction
  • Meconium impaction

Prognosis

Good for impactions that resolve medically (95% long term survival in one study) and fair in horses that require surgical intervention (58% long-term survival in the same study) (84)

Prevention

Frequent small feedings(32)