We are currently not performing colic surgery.
Twisted small instestine or “Twisted Gut”
Refers to abdominal pain that often results from GI tract disease
Causes of pain
- Distention (gas)
- Twisting
- Ischemia (lack of blood supply to the gut)
- Inflammation
Incidence:
- Colic is the number 2 cause of death in horses
- Natural causes is number 1 cause of death in horses
- Estimate incidence: 4.2 colics/100 horses/year
- Overall cost of colic: A USDA Equine Study showed approximately $115 million in 1998
Signs of Colic
- Nonspecific signs
- Inappetance (lack of appetite)
- Looking at side
- Rolling lip
- Stretching/ straining
- Pawing
- Lying down
- Rolling
- Violently thrashing
Horse Stretching / Straining
Horse Looking at Side
Horse Rolling / Thrashing
Patient on IV Fluids
- Frequent monitoring
- Second opinion
- Intensive medical management
- E.g. Gastric reflux, IV fluids, medications
- Patient is not responding to routine treatment
- Pain not responsive
- Analgesics & sedatives
- Changes
- Rectal exam
- Physical examinations
- Remote locations/No surgical facility in closer proximity
- Surgery is required
What you need to do when referring your horse for colic treatment:
- Inform situation & obtain permission for referral from owner or agent
- General cost estimate (costs may vary)
- Medical: $2,500-5,000
- Surgical: $6,000-12,000
- General cost estimate (costs may vary)
- Be prepared to leave a deposit at admission
- Inform of the procedures to expect upon arrival
- The owner of the horse should contact their insurance company
Dr. Bueno performing Colic Surgery at SSEC
- In general, uncomplicated surgeries that do not need bowel resection (bowel is not damaged)
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Such as displacements, impactions, enteroliths (stones)
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Carry a better prognosis for recovery and return to performance
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They usually go home in 5-7days
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CLICK HERE to read about Colic Prevention & learn 10 Tips for Preventing Colic