Colic Flashcards
Types of colic Rectal exam Ulcers & diarrhoea Foal colic Choke Rectal tear grading
List possible caecal colics
Caecal impaction
Caecal intussusception
Caecal tympany
Caecal volvulus
Non-strangulating infarction
Breed and age predilection for caecal impaction colic
Arabians
Appaloosa
> 15 years
(this might be different in hospitalised horses)
Risk factors for caecal impaction colic
- Poor quality, coarse roughage
- Poor dentition
- Parasites: Anaplocephala perfoliata
- Lack of exercise while using NSAID’s (hospital)
Two groups of cecal impactions
Mechanical obstruction - hard ingesta
Motility dysfunction - fluid ingesta with distention
Most likely diagnosis:
Decreased appetite and faecal output. Mild colic signs for days to weeks.
Cecal impaction colic
NOTE: cecal perforation can occur with little to no signs of colic
Rectal examination findings in suspect cecal impaction colic
- Early in the course - tight (could be thickened) ventral band of cecum from right caudo-dorsal to cranio-ventral
- Round cecal base may be palpable in the right caudo-dorsal abdomen
- As it progresses the colon will empy and cecum gets heavier - not able to diagnose the impaction per rectum = abdomenl US
Factors that are important to note when performing an abdominal US on a suspect cecal impaction colic
Thickness of cecal wall
Texture of content
Will differentiate between mechanical obstruction and motility dysfunction
How to differentiate cecum from colon during rectal examination with suspect cecal impaction
If the distended structure is the cecum the examiner will not be able to pass a hand over the impaction dorsally because the cecum is attached to the dorsal body wall
Average thickness of equine cecal wall
18mm (0.18cm)
Average thickness of the equine duodenum
19.5mm (0.195cm)
Average thickness of the equine jejunum
18mm (0.18cm)
Average size of the equine stomach
(transcutaneous abdominal US)
5 intercostal spaces
Differential diagnoses for mild abdominal pain
- Simple / nonstrangulating obstruction of the GI tract
- Feed / sand impaction of large colon
- Enterolithiasis
- Large colon displacement
- Tympany
- Small colon impaction
- Ileal impaction
- Non-strangulatin infarction of the cecum (A. perfoliata)
- Cecocecal / cecocolic intussesception
Medical management of cecal impaction
- Keep off feed
- IV and oral fluids
- Laxatives / cathartics - MgSO4, psyllium
- Analgesics - Flunixin meglumin (1.1mg/kg IV Q12)
- Careful monitoring: repeated physical and rectal exams
Most important complications of cecal impaction colic
Cecal perforation - 25% - 57%
Recurrence - 13% - 29%
Name the 2 types of cecal intussesceptions
Cecocecal intussusception - apex invert into cecal body
Cecocolic intussusception - into the right ventral colon
Breed and age predisposition for cecal intussesception
Young horses: < 3 years
Standardbreds
Risk factors for cecal intussusception
Infectious factors:
- Salmonella - abscessation of cecal wall
- Strongylus vulgaris
- Cyathostomins
- Anaplocephala perfoliata
Dietary changes
Use of organophosphates
Use of parasympathomimetic drugs
Most likely diagnosis:
Mild, intermittent abdominal pain, scant feces, weight loss
Physical examination:
Normal with mild to moderate tachycardia and prolonged CRT
Chronic cecal intussusception
- might alos have a fever
DD’s for a firm viscus in the right dorsal abdomen
- Feed / sand impaction in the large colon
- Right dorsal colon impaction with right dorsal displacement
- Non-strangulating infarction of the cecum
- Cecal impaction
DD’s for change in faecal output and character
- Infectious colitis
- Sand colitis
- Cecal impaction
DD’s for abdominal pain associated with fever
Infectious colitis
Sand colitis
Small colon impaction
Treatment for both forms of cecal intussusception
Surgery
Prognosis is good if resection of compromised cecum is possible
Risk factors for cecal perforation
- Brood mares at parturition
- Cecal impactions
- Infection with Anaplicephala perfoliata
- Use of NSAID’s in hospitalised patients (for non GI problems)
Most likely diagnosis:
Broodmare post parturition showing signs of endotoxic shock (toxic MM’s), muscle fasiculations, tachycardia, tachypnoea, cold extremities, prolonges CRT
Cecal perforation during parturition
Pathophysiology for the following causes of cecal perforation:
- Broodmare postpartum
- NSAID’s
- A. perfoliata infection
(don’t forget cecal impaction)
- Cecal distension cause by altered motility that rutpures due to increased abdominal pressure
- Related to ulceration and masking signs of fluid / motility dysfunction cecal impaction
- Unknown
DD’s for endotoxaemia
Colitis
Typhlitis
Enteritis
Large colon volvulus
Non-strangulatin infarction of large colon and cecum
DD’s for septic peritonitis
Cecal perforation
Gastric rupture
Idiopathic peritonitis
Rectal palpation findings in suspect cecal perforation
Pneumoperitoneum - floating sensation
Roughening of the surfaces of intestines - ingesta and fibrin formation
Crepitus over the cecum - associated with perforation
T/F: There is no nasogastric reflux with cecal perforation
False: Nasogastric reflux may occur due to ileus secondary to endotoxaemia and peritonitis
Most likely blood work results in the case of cecal perforation
Blood work will be consistent with endotoxemic shock
- Haemoconcentration (increased Ht)
- Leukopaenia due to Neutropaenia with a left shift
- Azotaemia
- Increased lactate
Expected findings on abdomintocentesis in a suspect cecal perforation case
Mixed population of intracellular bacteria and plant material
Expected findings of abdominal US in a suspect cecal perforation case
Increased abdominal fluid with a mixed echogenicity with hyperechoic, shadowing gas bubbles
Expected findings on a colic work-up for a suspect cecal perforation
Rectal palpation:
Pneumoperitoneum
Rough surface of intestines - food and fibrin
Nasogastric reflux:
Present due to ileus secondary to endotoxaemia
CBC:
Decreased Ht, leukopaenia (neutropania), Azotaemia, high lactate
Abdominocentesis:
Mixed population of intracellular bacteria
Abdominal US:
Increased abdominal fluid with mixed echogenicity
Treatment options for cecal perforation
None
Humane euthanasia
Causes of cecal tympany
Usualy secondary to large colon obstruction:
- Feed / sand impaction
- Large colon displacement
- Large colon tympany
- Large colon intraluminal obstruction
Causes of cecal volvulus
Congenital abnormalities of cecocolic fold and dorsal body wall attachment - increased movement of caecum
Secondary to large colon volvulus
Explain nonstrangulating infarction of the caecum
Loss of blood supply to the caecum not associated with strangulations
Risk factors of non-strangulating infarction of the equine caecum
High parasite load:
Strongylus vulgaris
Cyathostomin larvae
Etiology and pathophysiology of non-strangulating infarction of the caecum
Strongylus vulgaris - verminous arteritis (mesenteric artery and its branches)
Larval Cyathostomins - multifocal infarctions secondary to infestation with larval cyathostomins
Causes of Gastric dilation
Primary: After consumption of highly fermentable material (grain, grass clippings, apples)
Secondary: Reflux of SI fluid retrograde into the stomach due to SI obstruction / SI dysfunction with proximal duodenitis, jejunitis, post-op ileus
Physical findings:
Tachycardia, tachypnea
Decreased GI sounds
Depressed with colic signs, fever, dehydration
Gastric dilation
Diagnose suspected gastric dilation
US - Stomach is normally 5 intercostal spaces (primary)
(SI hypomotility and distention (secondary))
Nasogastric tube - reflux of 10-20L
When having trouble passing the NGT through the cardia
Administer 20 - 40mL 2% Lidocaine down the NGT - promote cardiac sphincter relaxation
DD’s and possible complications of gastric dilation
DD’s:
Gastric impaction
Complication:
Gastric rupture
Definition of gastric impaction
Distension of the stomach with feed or a phytobezoar or trichobezoar
Which age group is most susceptible to trochobezoar
Foals: Indiscriminate hair ingestion
Risk factors for gastric impaction
Poor quality roughage
Beet pulp, wheat bran
Poor dentition
Dehydration
Concurrent GI disease resulting in generalised poor GI motility
Pyloric outflow obstruction
Actue / Chronic hepatic disease
Expected findings when passing a NGT in a suspect gastric impaction
Difficult to pass the NGT through the cardia - horse shows signs of pain
No significant reflux - feed is hard, dry and fibrous
Stale, fermented smell
Therapeutic goals for gastric impaction
Prevent gastric rupture
Hydrate gastric content to promote gastric emptying
Resolve inciting, concurrent intestinal obstruction (if present)
Risk factors for gastric rutpure
Any mechanical or functional lesion resulting in gastric outflow obstruction:
Gastric dilation / impaction
Gastric outflow obstruction
Grain overload
Gastric ulcerations (adult and foals)
Exepcted findings during a colic workup of a suspect gastric rupture:
Physical exam:
Profuse sweating with tachypnea
Depressed with injected MM’s (purple to grey) with increase CRT
Decreased to absent gut sounds
Rectal palpation:
Serosal surfaces feel “gritty” with pneumoperitoneum
CBC:
Polycythemia due to haemoconcentration
Leukopaenic
Hyperlactatemia >5mmol/L
Abdominal US:
Evaluation of dorsal abdomen obscured due to pneumoperitoneum
Increased free fluid with mixed echogenicity
Abdominocentesis:
Green/brown to haemorrhagic fluid - foul smelling
Racehorses and performance horses in active training are predisposed to which GI related condition
Gastric ulcers
Risk factors for gastric ulcers in horses
High concentrate diet
Stress: Shipping, showing, racing, training
Anorexia
NSAID’s and corticosteroid therapy
GI disease
Conditions associated with gastric ulcers in horses
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD: idiopathic or autoimmune)
Gastric outflow obstruction
Most likely dagnosis:
Inappetence and depressed
Bruxism and hypersalivation
Weight loss
Discomfort when girthing or mounting
Hypersensitive to leg aids
Decreased performance (acute / chronic)
Gastric ulcers
List the mechanisms responsible for protecting the gastric mucosa from the extremely acidic gastric contents in horses
Mucus-Bicarbonate barrier
Gastric mucosal blood flow - Supported by prostaglandins like Prostaglandin E2
Eating, stimulating secretion of alkaline saliva
Absorption of gastric secretions by roughage
Confirmatory test for gastric ulcers
Gastroscopy
Therapeutic goals for gastric ulcers
Eliminate predisposing disease, stress, dietary cause
Increase gastric pH - limit further mucosa damage
Promote mucosal blood flow and support healing
Treatment of gastric ulcers
Disconitnue any NSAID’s
Decrease dietary concentrated and permit access to pasture
Proton pump inhibitors: Omeprazole (4 mg/kg PO Q24)
Mucosal protectants: Sucralfate (20mg/kg PO Q12)
Continue acid suppression therapy for 3-4 weeks to ensure complete mucosal healing
Possible drug interactions when treating gastric ulcers
Sucralfate may prevent absorption of other drugs thus should not be given within 1-2 hours of other medications.
Especially H2 receptor antagonists (Cimetidin, Ranitidine)
Foals with gastric ulcers are usualy diagnosed with which GI disorder
Gastroduodenal ulcer disease (GDUD)
Most likely diagnosis:
Foals with mild colic
Bruxism and hypersalivation
Inappetence and diarrhoea with poor condition
Gastroduodenal ulcer disease (GDUD)
DD’s for GDUD in foals
Infectious enterocolitis
Pyloric stenosis (congenital)
Small intestinal obstructive lesions
Confirmatory test for GDUD in foals
Gastroduodenoscopy
Risk factors for large colon impaction colic
- High grain diet
- Change in exercise - increased stabling
- Cribbing / windsucking
- Parasites
- Dental abnormalities
- Medication: Amitraz, atropine, general anaesthesia
- Cold weather and cold water = decreased intake
Types of large colon impaction colic
Primary large colon impaction
Secondary large colon impaction
Cause of secondary large colon impaction
- Right dorsal colon displacement
- Enteroliths
- Fecaliths
- Bezoars
- Dehydration of ingesta in large colon secondary to SI obstruction (not a true impaction)
History and chief complaint:
Horse presented with mild - moderate colic with decreased to absent faecal production
Most likely diagnosis
Large colon impaction
Most common intestinal sites for impaction
Pelvic flexure
Transverse colon
Right dorsal colon - ileocecal valve
Therapeutic goals for large colon impaction colic
Hydrating ingesta
Pain management
Monitoring: Be aware of any GI or cardiovascular compromise
Acute general treatment of large colon impaction
- Withhold all feed!!
- Enteral fluid: Iso / Hypotonic fluid, 3-6L every 2-3 hours
- IV fluid: replace fluid deficits especially if nasogastric reflux is present (2x maintenance: 120ml/kg/d)
- Cathartics / laxatives: MgSO4
- Analgesics: Flunixin meglumine @ 1.1mg/kg IV Q12
Chronic treatment of large colon impaction colic
Dietary modification: grass and complete pelleted food
Stimulate water intake
Make any changes gradually: amount of stabling time
Recommended monitoring for large colon impaction colic
Unrelenting pain
Nasogastric reflux
Progressive abdominal distension
Systemic deterioration: increase HR, Poor pulse quality cold extremeties, increased CRT
GI deterioration: Abdomincentesis to evaluate
Causes of large colon intraluminal obstructions
Fecalith
Trichobezoar
Phytobezoar
Combinations of above
Predisposition for fecalith
Miniature horse
Predisposition for trichophytobezoar
Miniature horse foals
Risk factors for fecaliths
Poor quality roughage
Poor dentition
Decreased water consumption
Risk factors for trichophytobezoar
Foals chewing on the mare’s tail
Access to foreign material in conjunction with inadequate exercise (boredom)
Possible complications of fecaliths / thrichophytobezoar (large colon intraluminal obstructions)
Postoperative complications: Diarrhoea, inappetence, impaction at surgical site
Acute general treatment of large colon intraluminal obstructions (fecalith / trichophytobezoar)
Surgical exploration and removal
Chronic treatment for large colon intraluminal obstruction (fecalith / thrichophytobezoar)
Provide good quality roughage
Fresh water
Apptopriate dental care
What is large colon intussusception
One segment of the colon telescoping into an adjacent segment of the colon
- Colo-colic intussusception
Predisposition for large colon intussusception
Young horses < 3 years
- same as for other forms of intussusception
History:
Mild, recurrent colic with soft feces
Mild tachycardia, increased temperature and variable borborygmi
2 yr old horse
Large colon intussusception
Cause of large colon intussusception
Hypermotility
- could also be associated with intraluminal mass in the leading edge of the intussusceptum
Most common sites for colo-colic intussusception
Left ventral colon
Left dorsal colon
Pelvic flexure
Expected findings during a colic work-up for a suspected colo-colic intussusception
Rectal palpation:
Distended parge colon and cecum - most consistent finding
If palpable the intussusception will feel like a doughy mass
NGT:
Reflux is not expected
CBC:
Leukocytosis, hyperfibrinoginemia
Abdominocentesis:
Increased fluid with nucleated cells and variable protein
Acute general treatment of colo-colic intussuscpetion
Surgical reduction / resection
Predisposition for left dorsal displacement of the large colon
(Nephrosplenic entrapment)
Large breed horses
Risk factor left dorsal displacement of the large colon (neprhosplenic entrapment)
Deep nephrosplenic space
- Possibly why large breed horses are predisposed to LDDLC
History:
Horse showing mild to moderate colic signs, with no fecal production and a slight abdominal distension in the left paralumbar fossa
Most likely diagnosis
Left dorsal displacement with large colon tympany
(Nephrosplenic entrapment)
Pathophysiolocy of nephrosplenic entrapment
Changes in motility and gas distension = abnormal migration of the pevlic flexure
Abnormal migration:
- Left large colon can migrate lateral to the spleen and dorssaly until it reaches the nephrosplenic space
- Pelvic flexure migrate cranially then caudally and pass through the nephrosplenic space from cranial to caudal
- Left colon rotates 180 so that left dorsal colon is ventral to the left ventral colon
Expected findings during a colic work-up for a suspect left dorsal displacement (neprhosplenic entrapment)
Rectal palpation:
Distended large colon caudal to neprhosplenic space and compressed within the nephrosplenic space
Ventro-medial displacement of the spleen
Can’t palpate the nephrosplenic space / ligament
NGT:
Present in 43% - almost half the cases: pressure on the duodenum of tenstion of the mesentery
CBC:
Normal
Abdomincentesis:
Splenic blood
Abdomnial US:
Can’t visualise the left kidney adjacent to the spleen
Acute general treatment of a neprhosplenic entrapment
If pain and distension is not severe:
Phenylephrine @ 3-6ug/kg/min for 15 min = Splenic contraction (Monitor for reflex bradycardia)
Then walk / trot / lunge
If pain and distension is severe:
Surgical exploration
Possible complications of medical management of neprhosplenic entrapment
Rupture
Displacment
Volvulus
(All of the large colon)
Recommended monitoring of medically managed nephrosplenic entrapment
Unrelenting pain
Nasogastric reflux
Progressive abdominal distension
Systemic deterioration: increased HR, prolonged CRT, poor pulse quality, cold extremeties
Risk factors for large colon nonstrangulating infarctions
High parasite load - Strongylus vulgaris
Coagulopathies associated with severe GI disease and sepsis = predispose to thromboembolic disease
How does Strongylus vulgaris cause large colon nonstrangulating infarction
Verminous arteritis of the cranial mesenteric artery: larval migration
Predisposition for right dorsal colon displacement
Large breed horses
Pathophysiology of right dorsal displacement
Expected findings during a colic work-up of a suspect right dorsal displacement colic
Rectal palpation:
Distended large colon with bands coursing transversely across the abdomen
Can’t palpate the ventral band of the cecum
Can’t palpate the pelvic flexure
NGT:
May be present due to pressure on the duodenum
Blood work:
Normal or similar to mild dehydration (prerenal azotemia, elevated packed cells, elevated total protein)
Acute general treatment of right dorsal displacmenet
Surgical explortionis recommended: can’t be diagnosed otherwise
What is large colon tynpany
Commonly known as gas / spasmodic colic
Accumulation of gas in the large colon secondary to excessive fermentation or functional obstruction (ileus)
Risk factors for gas / spasmodic colic (large colon tympany)
Highly fermentable diet (high carbohydrate)
Roughage with high surface area (cut grass)
Tapeworm infestation (A. perfoliata)
History of colic
Recent travel
Poor dentition
Acute general treatment of gas / spasmodic colic (large colon tympany)
- Withhold feed
- Analgesics: Flunixin meglumine, a2 agonists, butorphanol
- IV fluids - support cardiovascular function & treat dehydration
- Gentle exercise - walking: may stimulate GI motility = natural evacuation of gas
What is colonic volvulus
Rotation of the colon around the mesenteric axis (same as the long axis of the large colon)
Predisposition to large colon volvulus
Postpartum mares
Recent diet change: exposure to lush pastures
Most common location for large colon volvulus
At the level of the ceco-colic ligament
- Less commonly at the level of the sternal-diaphragmatic flexure
DD’s for severe colic
Large colon volvulus (morethan 270 degrees is strangulating)
Strangulating lesions of the SI:
- SI volvulus
- Epiploic foramen entrapment
- Strangulating lipome
- Severe colitis
DD’s for large intestinal distention on recta palpation
Feed / sand impaction
Enterolithiasis
Large colon tympany
Large colon displacement
Intraluminal obstructions
DD’s for endotoxaemia (Colic related)
Large colon volvulus (more than 270 degrees is strangulating)
Colitis
Nonstrangulating infarction of the large colon
Expected findings during a colic work-up for a suspect large conlon volvulus
Rectal palpation:
Normal or sever gas distension of colon and cecum
NGT:
Reflux is unlikely
CBC:
Normal or Leukopaenia due to Neurtopaenia with a left shift = increased severity of systemic compromise
VBG:
Hyperlactatemia = poor perfusion and ischemia of strangulated area
Abdominocentesis:
Normal (evennin sever cases) or Increased TP (decreased prognosis)
Abdominal US:
Thickening of large colon wall
(patient is usually to painful for abdominal US)
Acute general treatment of large colon volvulus
Preoperative stabilization - rapid fluid resuscitation
Surgical correction of large colon volvulus
During surgery: asses viability of the large colon
Post-op care:
Fluid therapy, colloid support, antiendotoxic treatment, antimicrobials and pain management
Cause of small colon impaction
Fecal impaction: physical obstruction of the small colon with feces
Predisposition for small colon impaction
Young horses
Elderly horses >15yrs
Miniature / ponies
Mares
Risk factors of small colon impaction
Ingesting bedding
Poor quality roughage
Poor dentition
Inadequate hydration
Parasitiv damage
Motility issues
IBD
Etiology of small colon impaction (Fecal impaction)
Idiopathic
Salmonella infection
Poor dentition
DD’s for small colon non-strangulating lesions (early stages)
Small colon enterolith
Small colon fecaliht
Small colon bezoar
Small colon neoplasia
Small colon foreign body
DD’s for small colon nonstrangulating lesions (later stages)
Small colon lipoma
Small colon intussusception
Small colon volvulus
Small colon herniation
Expected findings during a colic work-up of a suspect small colon impaction
Rectal palpation:
Cylindrycal, firm, sausage shaped small colon
Distended large colon
Occasionally distended small intestines
CBC:
Leukopaenia / leukocytosis with left shift
Adbdominocentesis:
Normal or Increased protein and WCC, serosanguineous fluid
Abdominal US:
Gas distended large colon
Acute general treatment of small colon impaction
- Withhold feed
- Analgesics: Flunixin meglumine (1.1mg/kg IV Q12)
- Fluid therapy: IV and oral (if no reflux)
- Laxatives: MgSO4 (1g/kg PO Q24)
- Butylscopolamine (0.3mg/kg IV) (Buscopan)
Possible complications of small colon impaction
Peritonitis
Endotoxaemia
Laminitis
Adhesions
Reobstruction
Jugular thrombophlebitis
Diarrhoea
Pyrexia
Incisional infection / hernia
Recurrent colic
IMPORTANT NOTE for horses with small colon impaction
43% are diagnosed with Salmonella infection
= FECAL CULTURE / PCR
Chronic treatment of small colon impaction
Nutrition NB
Low-residue diet = prevent trauma to the small colon for 5 - 7 days
Which small colon colic commonly presents as a rectal prolapse?
Small colon intussusception
DDs for small colon intussusception (commonly presents as rectal prolapse)
SC lipoma
SC volvulus / impaction
SC enterolith / fecalith / bezoar
SC neoplasia
Acute general treatment of small colon intussusception
Analgesics: Flunixin meglumine 1.1mg/kg IV Q12
Fluid therapy: dependent on hydration status
Surgery
Possible complications of small colon intussusception and treatment
Peritonitis
Enteritis
Adhesions
Incisional infection / herniation
Pyrexia
Diarrhoea
Jugular thrombophlebitis
Laminitis
Reobstruction
Recurrent colic
Recommende monitoring after treating small colon intussusception
Pain management
Reflux
Abdominal distension
Fecal output
PVC / TP
Predisposition for strangulatin lipoma
Fat horses
Geldings
>15 yrs (no younger than 9 yrs)
Ponies / Quarter horses / Standardbreds
DD’s for strangulating lipoma
SC enterolith / fecalith / bezoar
SC impaction / volvulus / intussusception
SC neoplasia / foreign body
Expected findings during a colic work-up of a suspect strangulating lipoma
Rectal palpation:
Difficult to enter abdomen
Gas distended large colon / SI (secondary)
CBC:
Leukopenia / leukocytosis / normal
Abdominocentesis:
Increased protein and WCC with serosanguineous appearance
Abdominal US
Gas distende large colon / SI distension
Acute general treatment of strangulating lipoma
Analgesics: Flunixin meglumine 1.1mg/kg IV Q12
Fluid therapy
Exploratory celiotomy if unresponsive to analgesics
Possible complications of strangulating lipoma and treatment
Peritonitis / Enteritis
Laminitis
Adhesions
Reobstruction / recurrent colic
Diarrhoea
Pyrexia
Jugular thrombophlebitis
Incisional infection / hernia
Recommended monitoring after treating strangulating lipoma
Pain management
Progressive abdominal distension
Fecal output
Reflux
PCV / TP
Cause of Ascarid impaction in the SI
Parascaris equorum
Predisposition for SI Ascarid impaction
Young horses (5 months): foals, weanlings, yearlings
Risk factors for SI Ascarid impaction
Poor parasite control
Deworming foals with paralytinc dewormers:
- Ivermectin (ML)
- Pyrantel (Pyrimidine)
- Piperazine
What is the epiploic foramen
The epoploic foramen is the opening to the omental bursa
Which parts of the SI are involved in epiploic foramen entrapment colic
Ileum - 70%
Jejunum - 40 - 60%
Predisposition for epiploic foramen entrapment colic
Males (geldings / stallions)
Thoroughbreds
Thoroughbred crosses
Crib biters
Wind sucking
DD’s for epiploic foramen entrapment
Small intestinal volvulus
Gastrosplenic entrapment
Strangulation through mesenteric defect
Strangulating lipoma
Confirmatory test of epiploic foramen entrapment
Transcutaneous abdominal US
- Multiple loops of small intestine in the right ventral paralumbar fossa with low to no motility and mural thickening
Acute general treatment of epiploic foramen entrapment
Surgical reduction of entrapment
(Surgical emergency)
Possible complications after surgical reduction of epiploic foramen entrapment
Ileus
Intra-abdominal adhesions
Complications at the anastomosis site
Incision site infection / hernia
Recommended monitoring after surgical reduction of epiploic foramen entrapment
Cardiovascular system (endotoxaemia)
Nasogastric reflux (ileus)
Recurring signs of colic (intra-abdominal adhesions)
Incisional complications
Slow return to oral intake