|
 |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
|
|
|
ColicThe word colic induces fear and apprehension into horse owners. Most people know of a horse that has had to be euthanased because of colic and many assume this is a common occurrence. It is not! 90+% of all colic cases respond to medical treatments. Of those that need surgery over 80% return home. Costs are upwards of £2000 for easier surgical cases to £5000plus for more difficult cases. Much of the costs are generated post operatively with the need for intensive care and possible repeat surgery. Having your horse insured for veterinary fees will at least cover the majority of costs such as these and it is well worth exploring the cover provided.Colic in horses is an expression of pain usually from the abdomen but not always from the bowel. Symptoms vary with the type of colic, how long it has been present and the stoicism of the patient. Signs can include dullness, inappetance, adopting a ‘urination stance’, curling the top lip, pawing the ground, sweating, frequent glances at the belly, getting up and down and rolling – sometimes violently and dangerously. Causes are numerous but any change in routine or change of diet can induce colic. During the Foot & Mouth outbreak in 2001 horses were not worked so were turned out and fed little in the way of concentrate rations. Colic cases were almost non existent! Normally I see increased cases in spring and autumn due to changes in diet and management associated with turnout and increasing daylight in spring and therefore more opportunity for the horse to be ridden and in autumn for the opposite reasons. Both roundworms and tapeworms can induce colic as can poor dental care. Ill horses don’t drink as much and can get constipation as can those that are travelled without suitable breaks for feed and water. Impactions can occur when horses eat their bedding so inedible beds of e.g. shavings are less of a risk but some horses even eat these types of bedding!. Sometimes bowel is displaced or entrapped / strangulated leading to acute severe pain and the need for rapid surgery. Your Vet will assess each case and decide on the evidence whether surgery is needed and advise you accordingly. Examination will include a clinical history along with the horse’s behaviour, temperature, pulse, respiratory rate and character, auscultation of the abdomen and commonly a rectal examination if the horse/pony is sufficiently large enough. ( All rectal examinations carry a level of risk to the horse – see below) Passing a stomach tube and taking a peritoneal fluid sample all help to build up a picture of the likely causes. The main aim is to assess whether the case is medical and can be treated on site or if it is a likely or definite surgical case and needs to be transported to a surgical facility as soon as possible. Re examinations are sometimes necessary and some cases that require surgery are not immediately apparent at initial examinations. Surgical success is improved with prompt diagnosis and referral for treatment.  Rectal tears Equines have an anatomical weakness at the attachments of the suspensory apparatus of the rectum where the large blood vessels that nourish the rectum pass into the tissues. If the horse is relaxed and stationary then tears are less likely to occur. THEY ARE NOT COMMON. Most vets never come across them and minor tears are a frustration only. Major tears are life threatening but it must be remembered that rectal examinations are carried out for a reason, tears are not common and therefore the risk is minimal. Rectal examination in colic cases can be invaluable to getting the best treatment for your horse. Foals cannot be examined per rectum and distinguishing medical from surgical cases is far more challenging. Ultrasound examinations are easier and more rewarding in foals due to their smaller size and can often provide a precise answer to the cause of the colic. Common foal colic problems are retained meconium, ruptured bladder, infected navels and urachis (bladder stump) along with ascarid worm impactions. Prevention A good routine management system with set feeding times and minimal changes to feed type plus a regular worming programme will minimise the risk of colic. Make all changes gradually and carefully. However many colic causes cannot be prevented or predicted so be alert to changes in your horse/ pony’s health. |
 |
||
| © 2010 North Park Veterinary Group | North Park Veterinary Group 64 Fore St, North Tawton, Devon, EX20 2DT ..Tel: 01837 82327
|
website by chameleonstudio |