Right Dorsal Displacement of Large Colon - Horse
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Description
Right dorsal displacement of the large colon is a cause of colic in horses. It is much less common than left dorsal displacements and although clinical signs can be variable, it is usually more acute and serious in presentation. In all cases the left dorsal and ventral large colon displace to sit between the caecum and the right body wall. The pelvic flexure is usually displaced crainially towards the diaphragm, the caecum is shifted towards the midline and may become secondarily distented. In some cases the displacement is accompanied by a volvulus which is responsible for more acute presentation. The exact cause of the condition is not known.
Signalment
Wide bodied horses are predisposed to the condition and horses are usually housed indoors when affected.
Diagnosis
Clinical Signs
Ultrasound
Treatment
Prompt surgical treatment is neccessary for correstio. Concurrent medical treatment with IV fluids and analgesia is also indicated, as described in the section Medical Treatment of Colic in Horses.
Prognosis
If the condition is identified early and surgical correction is caried out without delay then the prognosis is very good. In cases where the vascular supply to the colon has been compromised the progonis is much worse.
References
- Mair, T.S, Divers, T.J, Ducharme, N.G (2002) Manual of Equine Gastroenterology, WB Saunders.
- Merck & Co (2008) The Merck Veterinary Manual (Eighth Edition) Merial
- Robinson, N.E., Sprayberry, K.A. (2009) Current Therapy in Equine Medicine (Sixth Edition) Saunders Elsevier
- Rose, R. J. and Hodgson, D. R. (2000) Manual of Equine Practice (Second Edition) Sauders
- White, N.A., Edwards, G.B. (1999) Handbook of Equine Colic Reed Educational and Professional Publishing Ltd