One of the more exotic forms of colic is caused by enteroliths, or stone-like formations that form in a horse’s digestive tract.
Incisional hernias (protrusion of abdominal contents through a gap in an incision beneath the skin) occur in up to 17% of horses receiving abdominal surgery, reported Gal Kelmer, DVM, MS, clinical assistant professor at the University of
A 2008 Equine Veterinary Journal (EVJ) publication examining dehydration in working horses was summarized and printed on TheHorse.com on April 24, 2008, prior to its actual publication in EVJ. It was reviewed and approved by the researcher.
What’s the best way to feed a horse when his GI tract isn’t yet quite right after colic or colic surgery?
Sand colic due to an accumulation of sand in the intestines accounts for up to 30% of all colics, often causing weight loss and chronic diarrhea. Psyllium has often been recommended as a laxative for clearing sand out of the intestines, although
In the past few years, we’ve been hearing how many more horses have gastric ulcers than we used to think. We also know that oral omeprazole paste (GastroGard, manufactured by Merial Limited, Decatur, Ga.) effectively treats and prevents ulcers.
Intravenous (IV) lidocaine is one systemic way to manage pain and inflammation, and it also has been used to improve intestinal motility in colic cases. Its use has been a fairly hot topic of late, so Margaret Mudge, VMD, Dipl. ACVS, ACVECC,
These days, in many species incisions are often closed with staples rather than stitches–and they’re not just for external use any more. At the 2007 American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention, held Dec. 1-5 in Orlando, Fla.,
Acidosis (abnormally high acidity) in the hindgut (the large intestine and colon) can cause a number of problems in horses, including anorexia, colic, laminitis, and stereotypic (continuous, repetitive, and serving no purpose) behaviors such as
Left dorsal displacement of the large colon isn’t the most common cause of colic–only about 6-8% of colics are caused by this. However, up to 21% of affected horses tend to displace again, even after surgical correction. These horses often have
Champion Winning Colors, winner of the 1988 Kentucky Derby, was euthanized Feb. 17 following complications from colic at Hagyard Davidson McGee vet clinic near Lexington. The 23-year-old Caro mare was buried at Greentree Farm, a division of
Mineral oil, a traditional equine laxative, clears sand from the equine intestine more effectively when used in conjunction with psyllium, according to new research from the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, in Austria. These results are
Ileus is one of the leading postoperative causes of death in horses.
Take more than 1,000 veterinarians and veterinary students from around the globe, some armed with presentations representing thousands of hours worth of equine research, and add to it some tartan, bagpipes, and Scottish fare. Drop it all into a
The results of equine research funded by the Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) in 2007 added to scientists’ understanding of foal pneumonia, hereditary muscle disorders, laminitis, and pharmacology.
