Treatment of Luminal Obstructions of the Large and Small Colon in Horses - Proceedings of AAEP Focus Meeting - Quebec, 2005

Simple luminal obstructions of the large and small colon are relatively common causes of colic in horses, and are caused by feed impaction, sand accumulation, fibrous foreign body ingestion, nonstrangulating displacements, and or enterolith formation. Many horses with large colon and small colon feed impactions respond to medical treatment, including withholding feed, administering fluid therapy, laxatives, analgesics, and providing controlled exercise; however, some horses with feed impactions and most horses with sand impactions and enteroliths require surgical intervention. In general, the prognosis for horses with simple luminal obstructions of the large and small colon provided with appropriate and timely medical or surgical treatment is good to excellent.