Changes

{{review}}

{{OpenPagesTop}}

 

==Description==

==Description==

'''Caecal impaction''' in horses occurs in two forms. In '''primary impactions''' the caecum contains dry, relatively solid ingesta which may be localised to the cranial part of the caecal base, or extend to fill the whole viscera. The onset of [[Colic Diagnosis - Clinical Signs|clinical signs]] is typically 5-7 days and the associated signs are of low grade intermittent colic.  

'''Caecal impaction''' in horses occurs in two forms. In '''primary impactions''' the caecum contains dry, relatively solid ingesta which may be localised to the cranial part of the caecal base, or extend to fill the whole viscera. The onset of [[Colic Diagnosis - Clinical Signs|clinical signs]] is typically 5-7 days and the associated signs are of low grade intermittent colic.  

Diagnosis can be made on [[Rectal Examination of the Horse|rectal examination]]; the caecum is firmer and filled with ingesta and can be indented digitally. The caecal mass will be palpated in the right paralumbar area, identified by the taut ventral caecal band and the fat and blood vessels overlying the medial caecal band.   

Diagnosis can be made on [[Rectal Examination of the Horse|rectal examination]]; the caecum is firmer and filled with ingesta and can be indented digitally. The caecal mass will be palpated in the right paralumbar area, identified by the taut ventral caecal band and the fat and blood vessels overlying the medial caecal band.   

[[Dehydration - Pathology|Dehydration]] develops as the impaction becomes established; in most cases the impaction is not sufficiently severe or prolonged to cause cardiovascular compromise or changes in peritoneal fluid, but if the case is chronic or progresses to rupture then the condition is serious and the horse should be closely monitored for worsening clinical signs. There will be an increase in the protein content of peritoneal fluid as well as cardiovascular signs of shock as the caecum becomes grossly distended, ischemia of the viscera occurs and toxaemia develops as the caecum eventually ruptures.     

[[Dehydration]] develops as the impaction becomes established; in most cases the impaction is not sufficiently severe or prolonged to cause cardiovascular compromise or changes in peritoneal fluid, but if the case is chronic or progresses to rupture then the condition is serious and the horse should be closely monitored for worsening clinical signs. There will be an increase in the protein content of peritoneal fluid as well as cardiovascular signs of shock as the caecum becomes grossly distended, ischemia of the viscera occurs and toxaemia develops as the caecum eventually ruptures.     

    

    

See '''[[:Category:Colic Diagnosis in the Horse|Colic Diagnosis in Horses]]'''

See '''[[:Category:Colic Diagnosis in the Horse|Colic Diagnosis in Horses]]'''

The prognosis for horses with caecal impactions is guarded due to the number that progress to fatal rupture.

The prognosis for horses with caecal impactions is guarded due to the number that progress to fatal rupture.

==Literature Search==

 

|literature search = [http://www.cabdirect.org/search.html?q=%28%28%28caecum%29+AND+%28obstruction%29+AND+od%3A%28horses%29%29%29+OR+%28%28%28%22caecal+impaction%22%29+AND+od%3A%28horses%29%29%29 Caecal Impaction in Horses]<br><br>

[http://www.cabdirect.org/search.html?q=%28%28%28caecum%29+AND+%28obstruction%29+AND+od%3A%28horses%29%29%29+OR+%28%28%28%22caecal+impaction%22%29+AND+od%3A%28horses%29%29%29 Caecal Impaction in Horses]

==References==

==References==

* Merck & Co (2008) '''The Merck Veterinary Manual (Eighth Edition)''' ''Merial''

* Merck & Co (2008) '''The Merck Veterinary Manual (Eighth Edition)''' ''Merial''

* White, N.A., Edwards, G.B. (1999) '''Handbook of Equine Colic''' ''Reed Educational and Professional Publishing Ltd''

* White, N.A., Edwards, G.B. (1999) '''Handbook of Equine Colic''' ''Reed Educational and Professional Publishing Ltd''

[[Category:Surgical Colic in the Horse]]

[[Category:Surgical Colic in the Horse]]

[[Category:Medical Colic in the Horse]]

[[Category:Medical Colic in the Horse]]

 

[[Category:Expert_Review]]

[[Category:Expert_Review]]