Faecolith - Horse
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| Also known as: | Fecalith |
Description
A faecolith is a hard discreet mass of inssipated faeces. It can cause obstruction in the small or large colon resulting in colic and reduced faecal output. The faecolith forms around an initial nidus of indigestible plant material or a small foreign body, such as thread, string or rubber.
Signalment
Inapproapriate diet and dental problems predispose to faecoliths. Miniture horses are most commonly affected. The condition can occur at any time of year, but is more prevalent in late autumn when the pasture is coarse and water intake is reduced due to cooler temperatures.
Diagnosis
Clincal signs
- Reduced faceal output
- Abdominal pain
Treatment
Surgical removal is carried out under general anaesthesia. The faecolith is removed by a pelvic flexure enterotomy.
Medical Treatment of Colic in Horses
References
- Bertone, J. (2006) Equine Geriactric Medicine and Surgery, Elsevier
- Mair, T.S, Divers, T.J, Ducharme, N.G (2002) Manual of Equine Gastroenterology, WB Saunders.