Veterinary Medicine: Intestinal Obstruction in Horses

Study Notes

Gastric ulcers often present without noticeable clinical signs; symptoms vary between uncomplicated and complicated cases.
Uncomplicated Cases:
- Mild intermittent anorexia and abdominal pain.
- Can present with either constipation or diarrhea.
Complicated Cases:
- With Hemorrhage:
  - Melena: black or tarry feces indicates bleeding.
  - Pale mucous membranes point to anemia.
  - Sudden death can occur due to severe complications.
- With Perforation:
  - Severe anorexia and intermittent diarrhea may present with tarry feces.
  - Fluctuating fever may indicate peritonitis; often, the spleen is affected.

Collected data includes:
- Patient history and symptoms.
- Fecal occult blood analysis to identify hidden blood.
Instrumentation Techniques:
- Radiography assists in diagnostics.
- Endoscopy is the most precise method for diagnosis.

Alkalinizing Agents:
- Neutralize stomach acidity; common options include magnesium hydroxide, carbonate, or trisilicate.
- Omeprazole specifically inhibits acid production promoting healing.
Coagulants and Hematinics:
- Address issues of hemorrhage and anemia using vitamin K, calcium, vitamin C, thrombin, iron, copper, B12, and folic acid; products like Homoscon and Fercobsang are examples.
Histamine H-Receptor Antagonists:
- Effective treatments include cimetidine (Zantac) and ranitidine.
Dietary Changes:
- Soft foods recommended to avoid physical irritation of the ulcerated area.
Surgical options may be considered in severe cases, particularly for foals.

Defined as a syndrome showing signs of abdominal pain, sometimes associated with projectile vomiting.

Comprising both small and large intestine sections:
- Small intestine: Duodenum, Jejunum, Ileum.
- Large intestine: Cecum, large colon, small colon.
Etiology:
- Physical obstruction causes luminal blockage.
- Infarction can occur alongside obstruction.
- Paralytic ileus presents functional obstruction without blockage.

Luminal Blockage:
- Caused by foreign bodies, strings, hair, and indigestible material.
- May include ileocecal valve impaction.
Intestinal Accidents:
- Conditions like intussusception, mesenteric torsion, and strangulation.
Paralytic Ileus:
- Result of prolonged intestinal distention or post-surgical complications.

Based on patient history, clinical signs, and lab findings:
- Hemoconcentration, severe hypokalemia, significant blood acidosis, elevated BUN, and potential leukopenia.

Caused by factors such as gastric dilatation, impaction, gas accumulation, and intestinal accidents including volvulus and strangulation.
Enteritis may occur with sand ingestion leading to sandy colic.

Indicators include severe abdominal pain, altered defecation, and gut sound changes.
Diagnosis involves case history, clinical observation, radiography, and fecal examination.

Anthelmintics, supportive treatments, fluid therapy, and possibly surgical intervention may be required.

A form of acute colic due to ingestion of sand causing gastrointestinal irritation or obstruction.

History and clinical signs must be evaluated.
Examination of nasal cavities through visual inspection and endoscopy is critical.

Treat identified causes; if unknown, symptomatic approaches include cold packs, gauze with adrenaline, vasoconstrictors, and potential transfusions if severe.