Colic is a collection of clinical signs shown by a horse that indicate abdominal
discomfort.
Changes in management, especially if not made gradually, can precipitate
episodes of colic.
At this time of year, horses undergo a significant management change,
coming in from pasture to spend prolonged periods of time in their stable.
Therefore, we frequently see an increased incidence of colic cases.
Fortunately, the vast majority of cases can be managed medically and
although arguably, spasmodic colic remains the most prevalent form of colic
that we see, impaction colic occurs at an increased frequency.
Impactions
Impactions generally occur following the accumulation of food material,
which subsequently dehydrates (dries out), in a horse's colon.
The colon's pelvic flexure is the most common site for this to occur. The
pelvic flexure is a part of the large colon which turns 180 degrees on itself
and naturally narrows. The reduced speed of food material passing through this
area means it is more susceptible than other areas to blockage.
Other risk factors for impaction development include reduced grazing and
increased hay/haylage in the diet, reduced exercise due to increased time spend
confined in the stable, reduced water intake during cold/frosty periods and
straw ingestion (if bedded on straw) to name but a few.
Clinical signs of impaction colic include passing reduced amounts of,
drier than normal, faeces over the preceding 48-72 hours to eventually passing
no droppings at all, reduced appetite and signs of colic which vary in severity
but can be relatively mild.
Veterinary examination may reveal a normal/mildly increased heart rate,
dry gums and prolonged skin tent. Gut sounds are generally reduced. Impactions
of the pelvic flexure are confirmed on rectal examination. They are usually ‘doughy'
in consistency and sit in the left, lower abdomen.
Treatment, similar to other forms of colic, includes the administration
of pain relief and smooth muscle relaxants. In addition, the blocked food
material requires rehydration. The most effective way to achieve this is by
regularly administering an electrolyte solution via stomach tube. The
administered fluid stimulates colon contraction and the fluid passes through
the gastrointestinal tract to rehydrate the impaction stimulating it's passage
through the remainder of the gastrointestinal tract prior to evacuation from
the body. For the majority of patients, monitoring and treatment of the
impaction is carried out most effectively at our equine clinic. Depending on
severity, impactions can take varying periods of time to resolve from 24-48
hours to 5 days. Food is withheld until the impaction has cleared and is
gradually reintroduced starting with walks to grass and ‘sloppy' bucket feeds.
Tips for preventing impaction colic (and colic in general)!
Make dietary changes slowly over a 2-week period of time.
Avoid straw bedding if you are concerned your horse or pony eats it.
Try to maintain exercise. A walk around the yard is better than
standing still in a stable.
Ensure a ready access to fresh water- break ice regularly when
temperatures drop- a tennis ball/apple placed in water may help reduce
freezing.
Ensure your horse is drinking. Water intake can be increased by
adding water to your horse's feeds. Providing a salt lick will also
stimulate thirst.
Mud Fever
Mud fever is an infection of the skin usually affecting the pastern.
The bacteria implicated (Dermatophilus congolensis), gains entry
to the skin most commonly, following prolonged periods of wetting/standing in
mud.
The resulting dermatitis is characterised by hair loss and crusting.
Hair comes away in tufts bound by a scab/crust (known as paint-brush lesions).
Minor cases may present as just a few scabs; however, cellulitis
(subcutaneous skin infection) can ensue.
Treatment is based on removing your horse from the wet/muddy conditions.
Mild cases can be managed topically using a combination of anti-bacterial and
steroid based creams. The affected area may also be clipped and cleaned using a
warm dilute chlorhexidine solution. Different vets vary in their
recommendations as to frequency of cleaning so please follow your vet's
recommendations. In moderate to severe cases, sedation may be required to
examine, clip and clean the area in the first instance. In cases with secondary
cellulitis, antibiotics and anti-inflammatories are also required.
Rain scald
Rain scald is similar to mud fever, in that it is caused by the same
bacterium following prolonged skin wetting, but affects the horse's topline.
Treatment mirrors that of mud fever.
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