For the Health of It
Colic : Better Options , Better Outcomes
By VA-MD College of Veterinary Medicine
Although many colic cases are mild in nature , others can imperil your horse ’ s life and career and can require surgery . Today , because of advancements and innovations in the diagnosis and treatment of colic , the chances of survival and return to normal activity following colic surgery have never been better .
Colic signs should always be taken seriously , and although early symptomatic treatment will resolve many mild cases , if a horse fails to respond , it should be considered an emergency . The biggest controllable determinant for a successful surgical outcome is minimizing the duration of clinical signs before surgical intervention . Early correction of twisted intestines can obviate the need for costly resections ( removal of sections of intestines ). In addition , timely intervention can limit the collateral damage to the intestine , which can lead to serious disruptions in propulsive motility requiring lengthy hospital stays , increased cost and complications such as adhesions .
We are much better today at utilizing ultrasound and hematologic parameters to identify the cause and severity of the crisis , which enables us to give a good estimate of cost , and expected recovery before going to surgery . Innovations involving stapling equipment , intestinal viability assessment and bypass procedures offer more intra-operative options and surgical efficiency , decreasing surgical time and improving prognosis . With careful attention to post-operative pain management , control of inflammation , antibiotics , nutrition and exceptional nursing care , we not only improve patient comfort , but also reduce devastating complications such as infection , diarrhea and laminitis . In addition , protection of the surgical incision with a belly bandage has reduced the likelihood of incisional complications and hernias , which have delayed the return to exercise in the past .
Clearly , there is a need for rapid correction of surgical conditions , and postoperative care plays a significant role in successful outcomes . However , what about horses with colic that do not need colic surgery ? How do they benefit from emergency and critical medical care ? 6 • Walking On
Whenever possible , if your horse is not responsive to medical therapy administered on the farm , referral to a hospital should occur without delay . Immediate evaluation of your horse , including ultrasound examination and comprehensive laboratory testing of blood and abdominal fluid ( available 24 / 7 in a hospital ), can help determine the likely cause of the colic and the most appropriate therapy .
Common causes of medical colic include ; gas distension or impaction of the large intestine , impending diarrhea ( colitis ), small intestinal inflammation ( enteritis ), and gastric ulceration . Other diseases that may present clinical signs mimicking colic are also important to recognize and may include myositis ( tying-up ), liver or urinary tract disease , and some neurological diseases . Because different diseases require different treatments , access to comprehensive diagnostic capabilities found in a 24 / 7 hospital benefit the equine patient tremendously . Fluid therapy to correct dehydration and electrolyte abnormalities , antibiotic therapy if infection is suspected , anti-inflammatory therapy , and pain management are mainstay treatments . When indicated , prokinetic medications to promote gastrointestinal motility and measures to reduce the risk of laminitis and other potential complications are employed . Other medical conditions that resemble colic , but require different therapies , can be identified and treated accordingly .
Critically ill horses benefit from a rapid and accurate diagnosis and specific treatment of the underlying disease . Colic has long been a dreaded condition that strikes fear in horse owners . Today , with innovations in diagnosis and advancements in surgical procedures , in concert with the critical supportive care component , the potential for a successful outcome following colic surgery is greatly enhanced .
– Norris Adams , DVM Diplomate ACVS , Diplomate ACVSMR Clinical Assistant Professor of Equine Surgery
Krista Estell , DVM , Diplomate ACVIM Clinical Assistant Professor of Equine Medicine
The Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center is a premier , full-service equine hospital located in Leesburg , Virginia , and one of two hospitals of the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine . We offer advanced specialty care , 24-hour emergency treatment , and diagnostic services for all ages and breeds of horses . Our team of equine specialists in internal medicine , reproduction , sports medicine and rehabilitation , and surgery is committed to providing exceptional treatment for patients ; superior service to clients ; education for referring veterinarians , future veterinarians , and clients ; and cutting-edge research to the equine industry .