Inflammation can also lead to ileus. Proximal enteritis is a syndrome characterized by inflammation and edema in the proximal SI, leading to excessive fluid and electrolyte secretion. Both Salmonella and Clostridium have been implicated in proximal enteritis.
Signalment
>1.5 years
Clinical signs
Moderate to severe colic
Large amount of reflux, often orange brown with fetid odor
Fever
Dehydration
Injected mucous membranes
Shock
Tachypnea
Depression (less painful)
Diagnosis
Rectal palpation – moderate SI distension
Differentials -other causes of ileus, strangulating lipoma
Compared to a physical obstruction, PDJ is more likely to be associated with fever, leukocytosis, less pain, more depression
Abdominocentesis tends to have a mild increase in WBCs and protein; it should not be serosanguinous
Complications
Laminitis
Adhesions
Gastric rupture
Myocarditis
Hypovolemic shock
Death
Treatment
Refer for medical management (supportive care, motility stimulants) or surgical decompression
