Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Horse with stomach blockage and small intestine obstruction
By Kellam, L L et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2000·Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Gastric impaction and obstruction of the small intestine associated with persimmon phytobezoar in a horse.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 2-year-old Quarter Horse gelding showed signs of mild colic, intermittent lethargy, and weight loss over six weeks due to a blockage caused by a persimmon phytobezoar (a type of plant material that can form a mass in the stomach). The vet diagnosed the issue using a gastric endoscopy, but initial treatments with mineral oil didn't work. A surgical procedure was performed to remove the blockage, and the horse fully recovered after all the phytobezoars were taken out. Pet owners should be aware that access to persimmon fruit in the fall and winter can lead to similar issues in horses.
People also search for: horse colic symptoms · persimmon fruit horse health · horse weight loss treatment
Abstract
Signs of mild colic, intermittent lethargy, and weight loss of 6 weeks' duration in a 2-year-old Quarter Horse gelding were attributed to persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) phytobezoar formation. Diagnosis of the phytobezoar was facilitated by gastric endoscopy. Signs of gastrointestinal tract obstruction were associated with a large phytobezoar in the lumen of the stomach, gastric ulceration, and obstruction of the small intestine (as a consequence of fragmentation of the primary bezoar). Conservative treatment, using mineral oil and dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, was unsuccessful. A celiotomy was performed, and gastric impaction and partial obstruction of the small intestine associated with phytobezoar formation and fragmentation were identified. The horse made a complete recovery following removal of all phytobezoars. Persimmon phytobezoar should be considered in the fall and winter as a possible cause of lethargy, colic, and weight loss in horses allowed access to persimmon fruit.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10767970/