Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Catastrophic gastric rupture in a horse secondary to psyllium pharmacobezoars.
- Journal:
- The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne
- Year:
- 2018
- Authors:
- Bergstrom, Thomas C et al.
- Affiliation:
- The William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A mare had to be put to sleep because her stomach burst due to a blockage caused by two large masses made of psyllium, a type of fiber often used to treat digestive issues. She had been given a pelleted psyllium product at four times the usual amount, which led to this serious problem. The blockage was found in her pylorus (the opening from the stomach to the small intestine) and the beginning of her small intestine. This case highlights that using too much psyllium for treating colic in horses can lead to dangerous complications like stomach impaction. Unfortunately, the treatment did not save her life.
Abstract
A mare was euthanized because of gastric rupture secondary to complete duodenal obstruction by 2 bezoars located in the pylorus and proximal duodenum. Infrared spectroscopy showed that the bezoars were composed of psyllium. The mare had been receiving treatment with a pelleted psyllium product at 4 times the recommended dosage. Veterinarians should be aware that treatment of colic in horses with pelleted psyllium products could be associated with gastric impaction.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29599554/