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Equine Colic Types
Gas colics and Displacements
Displacement pathophysiology
The microbes in the colon produce gas and create a balloon-like response. Since the colon is not adhered to the body, it is free to float up and down. Sometimes it floats out of position. Many simple displacements will self correct.
The horse is rolled onto its back and “shaken” to try to bounce the colon out of the nephrosplenic space. The horse is then rolled onto the left side in an attempt to close the space off.
Rectal examination is used to check the space
Surgery
Risk factors
Diet change, other as with gas colic
Prognosis
Good; may recur
Prevention
Laparoscopic obliteration of the nephrosplenic space
Colopexy
Since this type of colic can be treated in the field, it is useful to be able to identify it.
If the colon displaces to the right, it may not get stuck. Some of these will fix themselves and others will need surgery. Trocarization may help if the colon has a ping and if surgery isn’t an option as there is a risk of peritonitis.
Signalment
Deep chested breeds
Clinical signs
Mild to severe colic, depending upon the amount of distension; slowly progressive
Good response to analgesics
Diagnosis
Rectal palpation – gas distended colon which lies horizontally in front of the pelvic canal with a tight horizontal band. Unable to palpate the pelvic flexure.
Right flank distension
GGT increased
Differentials – gas colic, impactions, other displacements
Complications
Secondary impaction and gas buildup
Secondary colon torsion
Colon rupture
Treatment
Treat as for gas colic – withhold feed 48-72 hours; may self correct if not stuck
