Impaction - Horse

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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:

Diagnosis

See Colic Diagnosis in Horses

Rectal examination

Firm mass in large colon but may underestimate extent of impaction because much of colon out of reach (83). Adjacent colon may be distended if impaction has resulted in complete obstruction. Impaction at other sites such as the transverse colon may not be palpable per rectum.

Treatment

Medical

See Medical Treatment of Colic in Horses.

  • Initially intermittent abdominal pain controlled with analgesics:
    • Flunixin meglumine 0.25-1.1mg/kg IV every 6-12 hours
    • Butorphanol 0.05-0.1 mg/kg IV every 6-8 hours
    • Xylazine 0.3-0.5mg/kg IV as needed
  • Oral laxatives to soften the impaction:
    • Liquid paraffin or mineral oil 2-4lites by nasogastric tube every 12 to 24 hours
    • Anionic surfactant dioctyl sodium succinate (DSS) 6-12g/500kg diluted in 2-4litres of water by nasogastric tube every 12-24 hours
  • Saline cathartics such as magnesium sulphate 0.1 mg/kg in 2-4litres by nasgastric tube may also be useful
  • Prevent access to feed

Aggressive oral and IV fluid therapy (2-4 times maintenance) if impactions persist(83)

Surgical

If impaction remains unresolved, pain becomes uncontrollable, or extensive gas distension of the colon occurs, surgery is indicated. Abodominocentesis can be used to monitor the onset of intestinal compromise.(83) At surgery the contents of the colon are evacuated via a pelvic flexure enterotomy.


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)

References