Oakhill Veterinary Centre https://www.oakhill-vets.com/equine/winter-series-impactions/ Export date: Thu Mar 28 17:26:29 2024 / +0000 GMT |
Winter series: ImpactionsColic is a collection of clinical signs shown by a horse indicating abdominal discomfort. We see an increase in colic's due to impactions during the winter months.Impactions of the gastro intestinal tract commonly occur at the pelvic flexure. 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 mean it is more susceptible than other areas to blockage.
Other than anatomy there are a number of changes that occur, mostly in the winter, which increase the risk of blockage:
As food material slows down in the pelvic flexure more water is reabsorbed from the gut causing drying of the gut contents, reducing motility of the gut further, leading to more drying and eventual blockage. Usually the horse will have passed reduced amount of, drier than normal, faeces over the preceeding 48-72 hours to eventually passing no droppings at all.
Examination by a vet may reveal a mildly increased heart rate, dry gums and prolonged skin tent. Gut sounds can sometimes be reduced due to slowing of the gut, however they can also be increased as the body's response to try to shift the blockage. Impactions of the pelvic flexure can usually be identified on rectal examination. They usually are doughy in consistency and sit in the lower left area of the abdomen.
Treatment, as with any colic, involves providing pain relief and a muscle relaxant. In addition the blocked food material needs to be rehydrated. This is most commonly done using a tube passed down the nostril of the horse into the stomach. A mix of water and electrolytes is then administered. Over time this will seep through the food and hopefully relieve the blockage. Food is restricted until poo is seen as it will contribute to the blockage. Tubing may have to occur repeatedly over several days. In severe cases intra venous fluids may need to be used.
So to prevent your horse or pony from becoming impacted this winter try to:
It is worth noting that there are other causes of impactions such as ileo-caecal impactions due to tapeworms and ascarid impaction of the small intestine in youngsters and these will be discussed at a later date.
As always, if you are concerned about colic in your horse, please call us on 01772 861300
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Post date: 2018-11-02 15:38:41 Post date GMT: 2018-11-02 15:38:41 Post modified date: 2022-06-21 14:12:19 Post modified date GMT: 2022-06-21 13:12:19 |
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