Compaction colics in the horse: etiopathogeny, diagnosis and treatment

Abstract

An impaction is an accumulation of dehydrated ingesta in a portion of the digestive tract. Impactions are among the most common gastrointestinal diseases in horses and the most common causes of equine colic. Impactions are typically formed at sites where the intestinal diameter decreases, as pelvic flexure and the transition from the right dorsal colon to the transverse colon. Additionally, impactions can occur at sites that contain sphincters, such as the ileo–cecal–colical orifice. The specific pathogenesis for impactions is not fully understood, although risk factors have been identified for several types of impactions. Medical treatment is the first choice for large colon impaction, at least in the majority of cases and includes withholding feed until the impaction passes, rehydrating the ingesta, and, if necessary, administering analgesic agents. When medical treatment fails, surgical treatment is indicated. The fatality rate depends on a series of factors such as the anatomical location and etiology of the impaction. Keywords: Acute abdomen, impaction, equine, gastrointestinal tract.