Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Trichophytobezoar as a cause of transverse colon obstruction in a foal.
- Journal:
- The Cornell veterinarian
- Year:
- 1993
- Authors:
- Yvorchuk-St Jean, K E et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Sciences
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 5-week-old Belgian colt was brought in for colic, which is a type of belly pain, after having diarrhea for about 12 hours. During the examination, the vet noticed signs of abdominal pain and mild dehydration, but the sounds from the belly were normal. X-rays showed that the cecum and colon were swollen, indicating a blockage. The owners chose not to pursue surgery, so the foal was treated with medication, but unfortunately, he continued to get worse and was eventually euthanized. A post-mortem exam revealed that a hairball, known as a trichophytobezoar, was blocking part of the colon.
Abstract
A 5-week-old belgian colt was examined for colic of 12 hours duration after several episodes of diarrhea. Physical examination revealed signs of abdominal pain, mild dehydration and normal auscultable borborygmi in all abdominal quadrants. Distention of the cecum, large colon and small intestinal was evident on abdominal radiographs. The foal was treated medically as the owners declined surgery. The colt was euthanized because of continued deterioration and failure to respond to medical therapy. Post-mortem exam revealed the presence of a trichophytobezoar obstructing the distal part of the transverse colon.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8467703/