Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Foal with colic diagnosed with large colon displacement
By Hennessy, S E & Fraser, B S L·Published in New Zealand veterinary journal·2012·University of Melbourne, Australia·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Right dorsal displacement of the large colon as a cause of surgical colic in three foals in New Zealand.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
Three foals in New Zealand were brought in for mild to moderate colic that didn't improve with medical treatment. During surgery, veterinarians found that the large colon had moved to an abnormal position, a condition known as right dorsal displacement of the large colon (RDDLC). One foal even needed a second surgery weeks later for the same issue. This condition is rare but can lead to serious complications, so it's important for pet owners to seek prompt veterinary care if their foal shows signs of colic that doesn't get better.
People also search for: foal colic symptoms · surgical treatment for foal colic · right dorsal displacement in foals
Abstract
CASE HISTORY: Over a 3-year period between July 2008 and July 2011, 10 exploratory laparotomies were performed on foals in a Waikato referral facility in New Zealand. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Right dorsal displacement of the large colon (RDDLC) was identified during four exploratory laparotomies in three foals that presented for mild-to-moderate colic that was non-responsive to medical management. One foal required a repeat laparotomy 7 weeks post initial surgery, and RDDLC was again diagnosed. DIAGNOSIS: Right dorsal displacement of the large colon in foals. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Further investigation may identify risk factors or management practices contributing to this condition. This is an important and uncommonly reported cause of surgical colic in foals, that is also important to consider in non-responsive medical colic cases that do not appear to be associated with severe pain, but may still require prompt surgical intervention to avoid a strangulating obstruction. The incidence of the condition in one Waikato referral facility appears higher than what could be expected based on the current literature.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22905692/