Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Small intestinal obstruction associated with wood chewing in two horses.
- Journal:
- The Veterinary record
- Year:
- 1988
- Authors:
- Green, P & Tong, J M
- Affiliation:
- Cromwell Veterinary Group
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
In this study, two horses that had a habit of chewing wood developed a serious problem where their small intestines became blocked by clumps of wood splinters. Both horses showed signs of severe abdominal pain, known as colic, and required surgery to fix the blockage. After the surgery, both horses recovered well and were able to return to their normal activities. The researchers also talked about the issue of wood chewing in horses and its potential health risks. Overall, the treatment was successful, and both horses returned to full working fitness.
Abstract
Although wood chewing by horses is recognised as a common vice, there are few reports of specific disease associated with the habit. Two cases of acute obstruction of the small intestine by solid aggregations of wood splinters are described in horses which were both habitual wood chewers. Details are presented of the clinical findings in these cases, including the surgical treatment of acute colic. Both horses returned to full working fitness. The authors review the syndrome of enterolithiasis in horses, and discuss the causes and significance of wood chewing as a stable vice.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3176272/