Colic Auscultation

Auscultation of the abdomen of the horse can be a useful tool in the diagnosis of colic. It is performed in a four quadrant approach over 4 to 5 minutes. The abdomen can be divided into left and right, dorsal and ventral sections. The examination begins by placing the stethoscope onto the paralumbar fossa and moving it to the middle and ventral abdomen. Normal intestinal sounds (borborygmi) are that of "splashing," "rumbling" and "bubbling." The caecum can be auscultated in the right paralumbar fossa. Cecal sounds occur one to three times a minute in the normal horse. Cecal sounds are like water flushing down a drainpipe. When assessing these sounds, the veterinarian should assess the tone, duration and intensity. Large intestinal sounds are deeper than small intestinal sounds. If the horse has been fasted or is anorexic, these sounds will be reduced. Repeat auscultation is vital when monitoring a horse with colic. There is a worse prognosis associated with cases where there is a progressive decrease in intensity and frequency of intestinal sounds.

References

• Meuller E, Moore J. N (2008) Classification and Pathophysiology of Colic, Gastrointestinal Emergencies and Other Causes of Colic, in Equine Emergencies- Treatments and Procedures, 3rd Edition, Eds Orsini J. A, Divers T.J, Saunders Elsevier, pp 108-109
• Rose R.J, Hodgson D.R (2000) Examination of the Alimentary Tract, Alimentary Tract, Manual of Equine Practice, 2nd Edition, Saunders Elsevier, pp 273-274