Post by IH Health on Jan 21, 2009 10:43:27 GMT 1
Colic
What is it?
Colic is a ‘catchall’ veterinarian term to describe abdominal pain and the associated behaviour.
Types
There are many different types according to their cause but the simplest way of categorising colic is where the original issue is in the digestive track. Each of these sections break down into many other types.
Spasmodic Colic – Termed as ‘mild colic episodes’ that come and go, lasting only a few hours.
Small Intestinal Colic – Colic where obstruction occurs in the small intestine (approx 18m long) causing bloating/distension and excess fluid build up.
Large Intestinal Colic – Obstruction in the large intestine leading to a gas build up and bloating/distension.
Causes
There are believed to be over 150 causes of colic. Common causes are a blockage to the intestines due to infection, swelling or foreign body, stress or trauma, physiological abnormalities within the digestive tract, a large worm burden, dehydration or even something as simple as a change in diet.
Symptoms
Symptoms can vary depending on the amount of pain a horse is in and its tolerance to pain. In mild cases symptoms such as (from Uni of Liverpool):
Mild symptoms
The heart rate is normally increased and the appetite is nearly always lost. Faecal output is also decreased and can stop completely.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of colic is usually down to clinical observation of the symptoms and ruling out of other illnesses. Quick diagnosis of the situation is imperative.
Treatment
Colic is the biggest killer of equines and require rapid veterinarian treatment – even if you think it’s a ‘mild’ case (unless qualified to handle yourself). Pain killing injections (analgesia) are often given in spasmodic colic cases. Paraffin or electrolyte solutions are sometimes administered through a stomach tube to break down impacted material in the large intestine. Injections can be given to increase mobility of the intestinal tract. Gas build up can be eased with gentle exercise such as walking in hand or gentle long-lining. In emergency and serious cases surgery to rectify the situation may be required. All treatment plans should be discussed with a qualified veterinarian.
Websites (click on title for link)
University of Liverpool
Previous discussions
ihdg.proboards91.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=talk2&thread=88419&page=1
Please post below any information you have on the subject of colic or of your experiences in diagnosis/treatment/aftercare. All information given is for reference only and does not constitute or should replace qualified veterinarian advice.
What is it?
Colic is a ‘catchall’ veterinarian term to describe abdominal pain and the associated behaviour.
Types
There are many different types according to their cause but the simplest way of categorising colic is where the original issue is in the digestive track. Each of these sections break down into many other types.
Spasmodic Colic – Termed as ‘mild colic episodes’ that come and go, lasting only a few hours.
Small Intestinal Colic – Colic where obstruction occurs in the small intestine (approx 18m long) causing bloating/distension and excess fluid build up.
Large Intestinal Colic – Obstruction in the large intestine leading to a gas build up and bloating/distension.
Causes
There are believed to be over 150 causes of colic. Common causes are a blockage to the intestines due to infection, swelling or foreign body, stress or trauma, physiological abnormalities within the digestive tract, a large worm burden, dehydration or even something as simple as a change in diet.
Symptoms
Symptoms can vary depending on the amount of pain a horse is in and its tolerance to pain. In mild cases symptoms such as (from Uni of Liverpool):
Mild symptoms
- Lip curling
- Flank watching
- Restlessness
- Pawing at the ground
- Straddling as if to urinate
- Grinding of teeth
- Lying down and getting back up again
- Prolonged periods of lying on side
- Occasional rolling
- Violent rolling
- Sweating
- Rapid breathing
- Intense pawing at ground
- Swollen eyes and grazing of the body due to rolling
The heart rate is normally increased and the appetite is nearly always lost. Faecal output is also decreased and can stop completely.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of colic is usually down to clinical observation of the symptoms and ruling out of other illnesses. Quick diagnosis of the situation is imperative.
Treatment
Colic is the biggest killer of equines and require rapid veterinarian treatment – even if you think it’s a ‘mild’ case (unless qualified to handle yourself). Pain killing injections (analgesia) are often given in spasmodic colic cases. Paraffin or electrolyte solutions are sometimes administered through a stomach tube to break down impacted material in the large intestine. Injections can be given to increase mobility of the intestinal tract. Gas build up can be eased with gentle exercise such as walking in hand or gentle long-lining. In emergency and serious cases surgery to rectify the situation may be required. All treatment plans should be discussed with a qualified veterinarian.
Websites (click on title for link)
University of Liverpool
Previous discussions
ihdg.proboards91.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=talk2&thread=88419&page=1
Please post below any information you have on the subject of colic or of your experiences in diagnosis/treatment/aftercare. All information given is for reference only and does not constitute or should replace qualified veterinarian advice.