|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Colic is defined as acute abdominal pain caused by any abnormal condition affecting the bowel. A variety of diseases can result in manifestations of colic. Typical signs include loss of appetite, depression, pawing, sweating, frequent lying down, rolling, looking at the abdomen, kicking at the abdomen, abdominal bloat, and aimless pacing. The frequency and intensity of the pain vary with the particular disorder and the pain tolerance of the individual animal. Horses with abdominal pain should be evaluated by a veterinarian as quickly as possible after the initiation of clinical signs. This evaluation typically determines whether the animal may respond to medical management in the form of pain relieving medication and orally administered mineral oil and fluids or whether the animal should be referred to a surgical facility for further evaluation and work up. Conditions typically responding to medical management include impactions of the large colon and gas or spasmodic colic. Mild cases of sand impactions may also respond to medical therapy. Colic that is caused by twisted bowel or bowel that has become devitalized should be treated surgically as quickly as possible after the initiation of clinical signs.
Following evaluation at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital and determination that a horse requires surgery, the animal’s abdomen is clipped and aseptically prepared for surgery. Horses are anesthetized and placed on their back on a hydraulic surgery table that allows ready access to the abdominal cavity. A long incision on the ventral midline is made in order to explore the abdominal cavity and depending on the condition that has caused abdominal pain, the appropriate surgical procedure is performed. The abdominal wall is sutured in three layers and following recovery from anesthesia, the animal is closely monitored after surgery. Horses typically receive post-operative fluids, antibiotics, and pain relieving medications. Most horses are ready to be discharged between five and ten days after surgery. For uncomplicated cases, horses are kept stall-confined for approximately 60 days with recommendation for small paddock confinement for an additional 30 days. Horses often can be returned work at 90 days after surgery.
Back to the Large Animal Surgery Service
