Flatulent Colic

Also known as:

Gas colic

Description

Flatulent colic occurs due to the overproduction and accumulation of gas in the large intestine and caecum leading to a distension of the caecum.

Signalment

The condition can be associated with grazing on lush pasture.

Diagnosis

Clinical signs

• Right sided abdominal distention
• Severe abdominal pain

On auscultation of the gastro-intestinal tract, there will be a tympanitic sounds on the right hand side. On rectal examination the distented loops of bowel obstruct the rectum.

Treatment

The distension can be relieved by trocharisation of the caecal head at the right sub-lumbar fossa, which should be performed using ultrasound guidance. Starvation and intravenous fluid therapy are also beneficial.

If the use of a trochar does not relive the distension then the colic should be considered surgical as this condition cannot be distinguished from distension due to surgical displacements of the large colon.

See Colic Diagnosis in Horses

Medical Treatment of Colic in Horses