Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Horse with colic from sand in large intestine - what to do?
By Udenberg, T·Published in The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne·1979·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Case report: equine colic associated with sand impaction of the large colon.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A horse with colic, which is a type of abdominal pain, was found to have a blockage in its large intestine caused by sand. In many cases like this, the horse can recover with some treatment to help break down the blockage. It's important for veterinarians to keep a close eye on these cases, especially if the horse doesn't get better or worse within a day, as this can help determine the next steps, including whether surgery or euthanasia might be needed. Additionally, looking at how the horse is managed on the farm can help prevent these kinds of issues in the future. Overall, the treatment for this horse can lead to a good outcome if managed properly.
Abstract
In most cases the outcome of impaction of the colon is favourable and with mild purging and lubrication, the mass can be broken down and the horse returned to normal health. It is important to reevaluate impaction cases which neither deteriorate or improve in a 24 hour period and to perform a paracentesis to evaluate the etiology and prognosis. A decision of euthanasia or surgical correction should be made as early as possible. Though initially stable, vital signs will deteriorate rapidly without warning. A critical evaluation of the client's farm management can prevent many impaction colics and the service practitioners provide is not complete unless the necessary changes are made.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/544003/