Ileal Impaction - Horse

Also known as:

Colic Impaction Simple Obstruction Small Intestinal Simple Obstruction Small Intestinal Obstruction Small Intestinal Impaction

Clinical Signs

Typical signs associated with small intestinal obstruction:

• Moderate to severe colic
• Nasogastric reflux may take a considerable time to develop because the ileum is the distal-most part of the small intestine

Diagnosis

Usually made at surgery

Treatment

Medical treatment may resolve the impaction(36) but surgery is typically required. At surgery, fluids can be directly infused into the mass so that the impaction can be manually broken down. Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (DSS) may be included in the infusion to help disrupt the mass.