Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Horses with abdominal pain from colon blockage - what to know
By Gay, C C et al.·Published in Equine veterinary journal·1979·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Foreign body obstruction of the small colon in six horses.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
In this study, six horses were found to have a blockage in their small intestine caused by foreign objects. They all showed signs of worsening abdominal pain and had swollen bellies due to gas and food buildup. During a check-up, the veterinarians could feel the blockage in only three of the horses, and most had high blood pressure. While only one horse had eaten something unusual, three others were affected by a very dry climate that may have contributed to the problem. After surgery, five out of the six horses recovered well.
Abstract
Six horses, which had a foreign body obstruction of the small colon showed abdominal pain of progressing severity and intestinal tympany. On rectal examination the caecum and large colon were distended with ingesta and gas but the obstructing mass could be palpated in only 3 cases. All horses had elevated indirect blood pressure and in 3 there was also fluid distension of the stomach. Only one horse had known access to foreign material in the diet, but a further 3 were related to an exceptionally dry climate period. Five of the 6 horses recovered following surgery.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/428366/