Difference between revisions of "Left Dorsal Displacement of Large Colon - Horse"
| Line 3: | Line 3: | ||
==Description== | ==Description== | ||
| − | The left colon becomes displaced and lodged in the nephrosplenic space. Entrapment over the nephrosplenic ligament results in simple obstrcuction of the colon, usually without | + | The left colon becomes displaced and lodged in the nephrosplenic space. Entrapment over the nephrosplenic ligament results in simple obstrcuction of the colon, usually without vascular compromise. The exact cause is unknown but it is thought that changes in the ingesta, gas content and motor activity of the colon are important factors. |
| − | + | ||
==Signalment== | ==Signalment== | ||
Large breed and wide bodied horses are predisposed to this condition. | Large breed and wide bodied horses are predisposed to this condition. | ||
Revision as of 16:59, 31 August 2010
 |
This article is still under construction. |
Also known as Nephrosplenic entrapment
Description
The left colon becomes displaced and lodged in the nephrosplenic space. Entrapment over the nephrosplenic ligament results in simple obstrcuction of the colon, usually without vascular compromise. The exact cause is unknown but it is thought that changes in the ingesta, gas content and motor activity of the colon are important factors.
Signalment
Large breed and wide bodied horses are predisposed to this condition.
Diagnosis
Clinical Signs
- Moderate abdominal pain and signs of colic
- Mild tachycardia
- Decreased faecal output
- Inappetence
See Colic Diagnosis in Horses Diagnosis is usually made on a combination of rectal examination and abdominal ultrasound. On rectal examination the pelvic flexure or left colon can be felt in the nephrosplenic space, the spleen is often displaced towards the midline. The displaced colon becomes distended with gas due to compression over the nephrosplenic ligament.
Ultrasound
Abdominal ultrasound is a sensitive diagnostic tool; the left colon can be identified in the nephrosplenic space, it may partially or completely obscure the left kidney.
Treatment
The condition can usually be resolved with medical management, IV fluids and analgesia in the form of NSAIDs should be given to correct hydration status and make the horse comfortatble. Mild displacements may respond to the withdrawal of feed, allowing the colon to empty and return to a normal position. This can be aided by the administration of phenylephrine which causes splenic contraction, significantly reducing its size and allowing the colon to relocate. Light excercise such as trotting on the lunge can also be beneficial.
Where conservative management has failed or in severe cases of left dorsal displacements, surgical exploration and correction is indicated.
Prognosis
Prognosis is good, in most cases the condidtion can be resolved without surgery.
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