Left Dorsal Displacement of Large Colon - Horse
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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 vacular compromise.
Signalment
Large breed and wide bodied horses are predisposed to this condition.
Diagnosis
Clinical Signs
- Moderate abdominal pain and signs of colic
- Mild tachycardia
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.
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
See Medical Treatment of Colic in Horses