Small Intestine Volvulus - Horse
(nodosus) See Colic Diagnosis in Horses
Medical Treatment of Colic in Horses
Description
A small intestinal volvulus occurs in the horse when the intestine rotates on its mesenteric axis through an angle greater than 180o, resulting in strangulation. Volvulus may occur as a primary cause of colic or secondarily as a result of another condition
Signalment
Foals and yearlings seem to be particularly susceptible to this type of colic.
Clinical signs
- Severe, unrelenting abdominal pain that is non-responsive to analgesia
- Tachycardia
- Tachypnoea
- Reduced/absent borborygmi
- Dehydration
In addition to the above signs, signs relating to endotoxaemia may be present including prolonged capillary refill time, congested mucous membranes and poor pulse quality.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made on the above clinical signs and a combination of confirmatory tests. Large volumes of nasogastric reflux may be obtained; greater than 2L of fluid with a pH greater than 5 is considered abnormal. Rectal examination may indicate multiple distended loops of small intestine, a finding that usually indicates the need for surgical intervention.