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==Introduction==

==Introduction==

An intussusception is an invagination or 'telescoping' of a length of intestine (the intussusceptum) into an adjacent, more distal segment (the intussuscipiens). The small intestine is the most common site for this to occur and the affected segment may range in length from a few centimeters up to a metre. Intussuception in the horse most commonly involves the ileum (ileo-caecal or ileo-ileal). Jejuno-jejunal intussusceptions also occur in the horse but they are considerably less common.  

An intussusception is an invagination or 'telescoping' of a length of intestine (the intussusceptum) into an adjacent, more distal segment (the intussuscipiens). The small intestine is the most common site for this to occur and the affected segment may range in length from a few centimeters up to a metre. Intussuception in the horse most commonly involves the ileum (ileo-caecal or ileo-ileal). Jejuno-jejunal intussusceptions also occur in the horse but they are considerably less common.  

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==

Diagnosis of intussusception in the horse may be difficult as [[abdominocentesis]] rarely reveals any abnormalities. This is due to the strangulated portion of gut being contained within the intussuscipiens. In the case of jejuno-jejunal intussusceptions, rectal examination may reveal a sausage-shaped, tubular structure in the mid abdomen of the horse. The presence of melaena is a significant finding and may raise clinical suspicion of intussusception. [[Colic Diagnosis - Abdominal Ultrasound|Abdominal ultrasonography]] may reveal a characteristic target or 'bulls-eye' lesion on transverse section. Peristalsis in the affected segment is reduced or absent. Oedema and thickening (>3mm) of the intestinal wall are often seen with a distended, fluid-filled region proximal to the intussusception.

Diagnosis of intussusception in the horse may be difficult as [[Colic - Peritoneal Fluid Analysis|abdominocentesis]] rarely reveals any abnormalities. This is due to the strangulated portion of gut being contained within the intussuscipiens. In the case of jejuno-jejunal intussusceptions, rectal examination may reveal a sausage-shaped, tubular structure in the mid abdomen of the horse. The presence of melaena is a significant finding and may raise clinical suspicion of intussusception. [[Colic Diagnosis - Abdominal Ultrasound|Abdominal ultrasonography]] may reveal a characteristic target or 'bulls-eye' lesion on transverse section. Peristalsis in the affected segment is reduced or absent. Oedema and thickening (>3mm) of the intestinal wall are often seen with a distended, fluid-filled region proximal to the intussusception.

Definitive diagnosis, however, is often based on findings at laparotomy.

Definitive diagnosis, however, is often based on findings at laparotomy.

The prognosis is good if surgery is performed before the intussusception has become irreducible. The prognosis is poorer if reduction is not possible due to the increased rate of post-operative complications including ileus, adhesions, peritonitis and endotoxaemia.

The prognosis is good if surgery is performed before the intussusception has become irreducible. The prognosis is poorer if reduction is not possible due to the increased rate of post-operative complications including ileus, adhesions, peritonitis and endotoxaemia.

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|literature search = [http://www.cabdirect.org/search.html?q=title%3A%28intussusception%29+AND+od%3A%28horses%29 Intussusception in horses publications]

 

 

[http://www.cabdirect.org/search.html?q=title%3A%28intussusception%29+AND+od%3A%28horses%29 Intussusception in horses publications]

==References==

==References==

*White, N. A., Edwards, B (1999) '''Handbook of Equine Colic''' ''Butterworth Heinemann''

*White, N. A., Edwards, B (1999) '''Handbook of Equine Colic''' ''Butterworth Heinemann''