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Spasmodic colic accounts for a large proportion of colic cases seen in first-opinion practice, however, little is known about its causes. It generally produces a mild colic, due to increased peristaltic activity in the gastro-intestinal tract. Cases are usually easily resolved by treating with a spasmolytic such as Buscopan, and a mild analgesic such as phenylbutazone.
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==Introduction==
'''Spasmodic colic''' is the most common cause of colic, it accounts for 72% of all colic cases, and 90% of colic cases seen in first-opinion practice. The etiology of the condition is unknown, it is characterised by intermittent mild episodes of abdominal pain which is due to increased peristaltic activity in the gastro-intestinal tract.
==Signalment==
Horses of any age and breed can be affected. The condition has been associated with:
* Heavy parasitic infection, especially tapeworms
* Change in diet
* Change in work
* Excitement
==Diagnosis==
Diagnosis can be made on a combination of clinical signs and response to treatment. The clinical signs are of mild colic, with hypermotile gut sounds on auscultation of the gastro-intestinal tract. The response to treatment is rapid and complete, or the discomfort may resolve spontaneously.
See <big>'''[[:Category:Colic Diagnosis in the Horse|Colic Diagnosis in Horses]]
See '''[[:Category:Colic Diagnosis in the Horse|Colic Diagnosis in Horses]]'''
===Clinical signs===
Horses show mild signs of colic, with '''hypermotile''' gut sounds on auscultation of the gastro-intestinal tract.
Occasionally rolling due to the abdominal discomfort can cause a volvulus, this is a more serious condition requiring surgery.
==Treatment==
Cases are usually easily resolved by treating with a '''spasmolytic''' such as Buscopan, and a mild '''analgesic''' such as phenylbutazone.
See '''[[Colic, Medical Treatment|Medical Treatment of Colic in Horses]]'''
{{Learning
|literature search = [http://www.cabdirect.org/search.html?q=title%3A%28Spasmodic%29+AND+title%3A%28colic%29+AND+od%3A%28horses%29 Spasmodic Colic in horses publications]
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==References==
* Blood, D.C. and Studdert, V. P. (1999) '''Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary (2nd Edition)''' ''Elsevier Science''
* Knottenbelt, D.C, Edwards, B., Mckane, S., and Proudman, C. '''Equine Gastroenterology''' ''University of Liverpool''
* Merck & Co (2008) '''The Merck Veterinary Manual (Eighth Edition)''' ''Merial''
* 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''
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[[Category:Medical Colic in the Horse]]
[[Category:Medical Colic in the Horse]]
[[Category:To_Do_-_lizzyk]]
[[Category:Expert_Review]]