Top 6 Gastrointestinal Conditions in Horses: Colic & Other Digestive Disorders

Understanding the risk of gastrointestinal conditions in horses is essential for every owner and caretaker. From intussusception to strangulating lipomas, these life-threatening conditions can lead to sudden, severe colic symptoms that require immediate veterinary intervention.

This guide provides an in-depth look at six serious equine gut problems — intussusception, enteroliths, strangulating lipomas, volvulus, hernias, and entrapments. We explore what each condition entails, how it affects your horse, symptoms to watch for, and available treatment options.

By knowing the risks and recognizing the early warning signs, you can take proactive steps to ensure your horse receives the care they need to prevent these issues from becoming life-threatening.

Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian or a new horse owner, this comprehensive list of equine digestive disorders will help you protect your horse’s health.

Gastrointestinal Conditions in Horses

The gastrointestinal (GI) system plays a key role in maintaining your horse’s overall health. The digestive system not only processes feed and absorbs nutrients but also serves as a first line of defense against pathogens and houses a significant portion of the immune system.

However, due to their complex and sensitive digestive anatomy, horses are also vulnerable to severe GI conditions, foremost among them being colic. Colic is a broad term used to describe abdominal pain in horses, which can stem from various gastrointestinal issues such as gas buildup, impaction, or intestinal twists.

Colic is one of the leading causes of death in adult horses, and among the most common reasons for equine veterinary intervention. ^[1][2] Studies suggest that colic accounts for over a quarter of equine deaths in certain populations. ^[3]

Colic can quickly become life-threatening due to several unique characteristics of the horse’s digestive anatomy: ^[2]

• Complex Gastrointestinal Anatomy: The equine digestive tract is long and intricate, with numerous twists and turns that increase the risk of blockages, displacements, or twists (torsions).
• Movement in the Abdominal Cavity: Many GI structures float freely within the abdominal cavity, making them prone to shifting or twisting during normal activities like exercise.
• Hindgut Fermentation: Horses are hindgut fermenters, meaning they rely on a diverse microbiome in their hindgut to ferment fibrous forages, the horse’s primary energy source. This process produces gas, and any disruption — such as sudden dietary changes — can lead to excessive gas buildup, inflammation, or motility issues.
• Inability to Vomit: Unlike other animals, horses cannot vomit, which means they cannot relieve pressure caused by gas or blockages. This makes even minor digestive disruptions potentially life-threatening.
• High Sensitivity to Changes: Horses are highly sensitive to changes in diet, water intake, feeding schedules, environment or daily routine. Sudden changes can cause stress, disrupt the microbiome and lead to conditions like colic or hindgut acidosis.
• Disruption of Natural Grazing Patterns: In the wild, horses graze continuously, which means their digestive system is constantly processing small amounts of forage. Domesticated feeding practices — such as feeding grain-based feeds and providing large, infrequent meals — can disrupt this balance and lead to issues like gastric ulcers or impactions.

Signs of Gut Issues

Early identification of gastrointestinal conditions and prompt veterinary intervention significantly improve the prognosis in affected horses, even if symptoms seem mild or intermittent.

Horses are naturally stoic and may only show subtle signs of discomfort despite experiencing severe pain. Furthermore, some conditions that begin with mild symptoms can escalate rapidly into life-threatening emergencies.

When a horse experiences gastrointestinal discomfort or abdominal pain, they may display the following behaviors: ^[2][4][5]

• Lethargy
• Restlessness
• Watching the flank
• Grinding the teeth
• Adopting unusual postures including dog sitting, crouching, standing stretched out
• Curling the upper lip (Flehmen response)
• Pawing at the ground
• Tensing the abdomen
• Kicking the abdomen
• Lying down
• Rolling

In addition to behavioral changes, horses may exhibit physical symptoms of gastrointestinal distress that owners can recognize, including:^[2][6][7][8]

• Decreased gut sounds
• Increased breathing rate
• Sweating
• Bloating
• Changes in gum color
• Elevated heart rate

Colic is challenging to diagnose because it can result from numerous causes and does not point to a specific condition. Consequently, exploratory surgery is often required to identify the underlying issue.

Gastrointestinal Anatomy

Before exploring common gut conditions in horses, it’s important for owners and caretakers to be familiar with the basic features of the horse’s digestive system. This knowledge helps illustrate why gastrointestinal issues occur and often require surgical intervention for diagnosis.

The equine digestive system can broadly be divided into the foregut and the hindgut, each with distinct roles in digestion and nutrient absorption.

The foregut is responsible for enzymatic digestion of feed in the diet and includes the following structures: ^[2][9]

• Mouth and Esophagus: Chewing begins the digestive process by breaking down feed into smaller particles and mixing it with saliva, which helps lubricate food for passage through the esophagus. Horses cannot regurgitate, which increases the risk of impaction or choking.
• Stomach: A relatively small organ that processes food for only 15–30 minutes. The equine stomach has two distinct regions: the upper non-glandular region, which lacks a protective mucus lining and is prone to gastric ulcers, and the lower glandular region, which produces stomach acid and enzymes to initiate the breakdown of feed.
• Small Intestine: The primary site of nutrient absorption for proteins, fats, and hydrolyzable carbohydrates. This section relies on enzymes and bile, which are secreted continuously as horses lack a gallbladder.

The hindgut is responsible for microbial fermentation, where fiber from forages is broken down in the cecum and colon to produce energy. Key structures include: ^[2][9][10]

• Cecum: A large fermentation chamber that houses a diverse microbial population. Disruptions here, such as sudden dietary changes, can lead to gas buildup, hindgut acidosis, or colic.
• Large Colon: Continues fermentation and absorbs water and electrolytes. Its long, twisting structure increases the risk of impactions and displacements.
• Small Colon and Rectum: Responsible for forming and expelling waste as feces.

Other structures sometimes involved in severe equine gastrointestinal disorders include: ^{[11][12][13][14][15]}

• Mesentery: A thin, fan-shaped tissue that holds the small intestine loosely in place and supplies blood vessels and nerves to the tract
• Omentum: A large, fatty membrane that covers and protects the abdominal organs. It also stores fat, plays a role in immune function, and acts as a pathway for blood vessels and nerves

Top 6 Most Severe Equine Gastrointestinal Conditions

Many equine conditions can affect the gastrointestinal tract or present with abdominal pain (colic) as a primary symptom. However, some disorders are particularly severe and life-threatening, requiring immediate veterinary attention.

Below are six of the most critical gastrointestinal conditions in horses:

• Intussusception
• Enteroliths
• Strangulating lipoma
• Volvulus
• Hernias
• Entrapments

Recognizing the signs that indicate when to seek veterinary intervention is a crucial skill for all horse owners and caretakers, as prompt action can often mean the difference between recovery and a life-threatening emergency.

1. Intussusception

Intussusception occurs when a segment of the horse’s intestine folds inward, telescoping into an adjacent section, leading to obstruction and compromised blood flow. ^{[16][17][18][19][20]}

The segment of intestine that folds into another is called the intussusceptum, while the receiving segment is known as the intussuscipiens. This process of one segment folding into another is referred to as invagination.^[16][21]

Some cases of intussusception are mild and may resolve on their own without intervention. In more serious cases, the condition can lead to intestinal blockages and disruption of blood flow. ^[15][18]

The blood supply to the digestive tract is delivered via vessels running through the mesentery. During intussusception, a portion of the mesentery may be drawn into the intestine, leading to constriction of these vessels. If the constriction is severe or prolonged, it can block the flow of oxygen and nutrients, resulting in swelling, adhesions, and tissue death. ^[16]

Symptoms

Horses affected by intussusception typically exhibit colic signs ranging from mild and intermittent to severe. ^[16] In addition to colic, symptoms of intussusception may include: ^[2][16]

• Weight loss
• Decreased manure output
• Fever
• Reduced appetite
• Signs of Dehydration; tacky gums, delayed skin turgor
• Excessive salivation (especially in foals)

Risk Factors

Intussusception is not a common condition in horses. ^[16][18] Horses of all ages are at risk of this condition, but it is most likely to occur in young horses, especially weanlings with tapeworm infections. ^[2][16][20] If mature horses are affected, it is more likely to involve the large intestine. ^[22]

Generally, risk factors for intussusception include: ^{[2][16][18][22]}

• Recent changes in diet
• Inflammation in the digestive tract
• Heavy parasite load
• History of abdominal surgery
• Intestinal impaction
• History of intussusception
• Recent administration of general anesthesia
• Recent administration of parasympathomimetic drugs
• Use of organophosphates as dewormers
• Ulcers

Causes

The causes of intussusception in horses are not fully understood at this time. ^[15] There is a strong association between this condition and parasite infection, especially in young horses. ^[21]

In some cases, it is only possible to confirm a diagnosis of intussusception with post-mortem examination. ^[16][22]

Treatment

The primary treatment for intussusception is surgery, which involves untangling the intestines and restoring normal blood flow. In mild cases, the procedure may simply require straightening the affected portion of the intestine. ^[16][22]

In cases where tissue death, adhesions, or severe oxygen deprivation has occurred, surgery may involve removing the damaged section of the intestine or creating a bypass to restore normal digestive function. ^[16][19]

Prognosis

The prognosis for a horse with intussusception ranges from good to guarded depending on several factors. These include: ^[16]

• Whether the intussusception affects the small or large intestine
• The horse’s overall health prior to the condition
• The promptness of surgical intervention
• Whether the intestine can be manually straightened or requires resection

Prevention

Preventive measures for intussusception are limited due to the unclear causes of the condition. However, certain strategies can help reduce the risk, including: ^[2][16]

• Making all dietary changes gradually
• Following best management practices to prevent ulcers
• Providing adequate exercise and turnout
• Providing opportunities for socialization
• Monitoring horses carefully after abdominal surgery
• Using appropriate dewormers under veterinary guidance

2. Enteroliths

Enteroliths are mineral masses or calcifications, commonly known as “stones,” that form in the horse’s gastrointestinal tract. Enterolithiasis is the medical term for the condition of having enteroliths. ^[23]

Enteroliths have long been recognized as a cause of colic in horses, with cases documented as early as the 1800s. ^[23] More recently, there have been fewer reported cases, although some regions such as the southwestern United States have a higher prevalence of the condition. ^[23]

Symptoms

In some cases, stones may be present in the horse’s digestive system without causing any symptoms. If the stone is partially or completely blocking the intestine, the horse may exhibit signs of colic accompanied by the following symptoms: ^[23][24][25]

• Behavioral changes
• Reduced performance
• Decreased defecation
• Loss of appetite
• Presence of enteroliths in the manure

Risk Factors

Several factors increase the risk of enteroliths in horses, including: ^[6][24][26]

• High levels of alfalfa in the diet
• Stall confinement and lack of pasture grazing
• Feeding bran
• Breed predisposition, including Arabians and Arabian crosses, Morgans, and Appaloosas
• Age of the horse, with middle aged and senior horses at increased risk
• Hot, dry climate
• Hard drinking water with high mineral levels
• Too much magnesium, phosphorus or nitrogen in the diet
• High pH balance (alkalinity) of the colonic contents
• Increased transit time in the right dorsal colon (hypomotility)

Causes

The exact mechanism behind the formation of enteroliths remains unclear. Generally, the stones tend to develop around foreign objects such as twine, undigested food, mucus, rocks, sand, or hair that are consumed by the horse. This foreign object, known as the nidus, gradually becomes coated with layers of minerals. ^[27]

Small stones usually do not cause any clinical signs or serious disorders and pass through the digestive system and are excreted in the manure. However, larger stones can become lodged in areas where the intestines turn or narrow, leading to obstruction. ^[25]

Treatment

Small enteroliths that pass through the lower hindgut typically do not require treatment. However, for enteroliths causing blockages, surgery is necessary to remove the stone(s) and any associated dead or damaged tissue. ^[23]

Prognosis

The prognosis for horses that require surgery to remove enteroliths is fair to good. ^[23] The prognosis is more guarded in cases where the intestine is damaged or if the stones occur in the small colon. ^[25]

Prevention

Preventing enteroliths involves avoiding factors that contribute to their development. Key strategies include: ^[23][28]

• Limiting alfalfa
• Adding apple cider vinegar to the diet
• Providing access to pasture
• Adding psyllium to the diet
• Providing regular exercise
• Avoiding wheat or rice bran
• Provide ample clean, fresh water
• Provide free choice salt
• Testing your water quality and softening hard water
• Using raised feeders to avoid ingestion of foreign objects such as sand and gravel

3. Strangulating Lipoma

A strangulating lipoma is a fatty tumor attached to the intestine by a long, thin strand of tissue, which can wrap around a section of the digestive tract, cutting off its blood supply and causing a life-threatening obstruction. ^[29]

Lipomas form within the mesentery, where an accumulation of fat develops between layers of tissue. ^[29][30] Over time, the surrounding tissue stretches into a pedicle (a tether-like structure), allowing the lipoma to move freely within the abdominal cavity. ^[30]

Lipomas are common in many species, especially as animals age. These tumors are usually harmless but are a serious risk for horses if they become pedunculated and wrap around structures of the gastrointestinal tract.

Symptoms

In addition to mild to severe colic, horses with strangulating lipomas may have the following symptoms: ^[31][32]

• Distended abdomen
• Fatigue
• Signs of dehydration such as sunken eyes and tacky gums
• Increased heart rate
• Decreased or absent stomach noises (borborygmi)

Risk Factors

Some horses are at higher risk of developing strangulating lipomas. This condition is more likely to develop if the horse is: ^{[30][31][32][33]}

• Older
• Geldings
• Obese
• Insulin resistant

Breeds that are more susceptible to this condition include: ^[34]

• Saddlebreds
• Arabians
• Quarter Horses
• Morgans

Causes

The exact causes of strangulating lipomas are not yet fully understood. ^[34]

Some lipomas stay in place in the mesentery while others develop a pedicle (also known as a stalk). However, not all pedunculated lipomas interfere with surrounding structures. Some travel around the abdominal cavity without causing harm. ^[30]

The likelihood of a pedunculated lipoma becoming entangled with another structure depends on several factors, including: ^[30]

• Length of the peduncle
• Weight of the lipoma
• Location of the pedunculated lipoma

Treatment

Treatment of a strangulating lipoma involves emergency surgery to untangle the intestine and restore blood flow. ^[35][36] If the affected section of the intestine is damaged or has died due to restricted blood supply, it may need to be removed, and the healthy sections reconnected (resection and anastomosis). ^[15]

Prompt surgical intervention is critical to prevent further complications and improve the horse’s chances of recovery.

Prognosis

The prognosis for horses with strangulating lipomas is poor. ^[34] However, the outlook improves if the strangulation has not resulted in tissue death. ^[15]

Prevention

Since the exact causes of lipomas are not fully understood, preventive strategies are limited.

Keeping your horse in good condition by providing a balanced, forage-based diet, routine vaccinations, regular deworming, keeping your horse at an appropriate body weight, and ongoing dental care is recommended.

4. Volvulus

Volvulus is a severe, life-threatening gastrointestinal condition where structures of the horse’s GI tract twist inside the abdominal cavity, potentially cutting off blood supply and blocking the flow of ingesta.

In horses, volvulus is most likely to occur in the small intestine. Less commonly, it can occur in the large intestine. Gastric or stomach volvulus is extremely rare.

Small Intestine Volvulus

Small intestine volvulus occurs when the small intestine twists around the root of the mesentery (the tissue that supports and nourishes the intestines). ^[2][15][36]

This is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate veterinary care. Twisting of the small intestine can restrict blood flow and cause tissue death in affected sections of the intestine. ^[2][15]

Symptoms

In addition to moderate to severe colic, horses with small intestine volvulus also exhibit a distended abdomen. ^[2][15]

Risk Factors

Horses of all breeds, sexes, and ages are at risk of developing small intestine volvulus. Other risk factors include: ^[2][36]

• Recent participation in endurance sports
• Recent history of swimming
• Recent history of gastroscopy
• A diet consisting of large, grain-based meals
• Dehydration

Causes

The exact causes of small intestine volvulus are not fully understood. Possible contributing factors include: ^{[13][15][19][36]}

• Conditions that impact gut motility
• Intestinal obstruction
• Underlying gastrointestinal illness
• Activities that jostle the abdomen, such as swimming or racing
• Changes to feeding habits, including weaning

Treatment

Treatment for small intestine volvulus is surgical. In mild cases, the intestine is untwisted manually.

In more severe cases where blood flow has been cut off leading to tissue death, the damaged or dead tissue must be removed, part of the intestine must be resected and reattached. ^[15]

Prognosis

The prognosis for horses with small intestine volvulus is variable and depends on the extent of the intestine affected and the severity of the tissue damage. ^[15]

Prevention

While there are no proven ways to prevent small intestine volvulus, maintaining a healthy digestive system through proper feeding practices, balanced nutrition, and adequate hydration can help lower the risk.

Large Intestine Volvulus

Large colon volvulus is a life-threatening condition in which the dorsal and ventral colons rotate on themselves, pinching off the blood supply and leading to a buildup of gas and feed material in the tract. ^[37]

If not promptly addressed, the interruption of blood supply to the colon can cause severe tissue damage and necrosis. Horses showing signs of large colon volvulus require emergency veterinary care.

Symptoms

Some horses with large colon volvulus display mild colic symptoms for a day or more before the pain suddenly intensifies. In other cases, the condition presents as sudden, uncontrollable pain that does not improve, even with the use of pain medications. ^[15]

In some cases, the colon becomes severely distended, impeding the lungs and diaphragm. This can result in cardiovascular symptoms, including ^[2][15]

• Rapid breathing
• Changes in gum color
• Coughing
• Rapid or irregular heart rate
• Weakness
• Collapse

Risk Factors

Large colon volvulus occurs most commonly in: ^[2][15]

• Horses with recent dietary changes
• Broodmares and horses that have recently foaled
• Horses with recent access to lush pasture

Causes

The causes of large colon volvulus are not fully characterized at this time but may be associated with excess gas buildup. Gas accumulation can result from consuming too much starch or hydrolyzable carbohydrates from lush pasture, grains, or sweetened feeds. ^[2]

This disrupts gut microorganisms responsible for digestion, resulting in excess fermentation. The resulting rapid fermentation can cause gas to build up faster than the horse can expel it. ^[2]

Other factors contributing to excess gas accumulation include: ^[38]

• Dietary changes
• Electrolyte imbalances
• Stress

Treatment

Treatment for large colon volvulus is surgical. During surgery, the colon is repositioned manually to restore normal function. If blood flow has been restricted for too long, it may be necessary to remove damaged or dead tissue or resect part of the large intestine. ^[2][37]

Prognosis

Large colon volvulus is a severe condition with a guarded prognosis. ^[15][37]

Prevention

Although there are no proven measures to prevent large colon volvulus, making dietary changes gradually and feeding a forage-based diet can help control the production of gas, thereby lowering the risk of displacement.

5. Scrotal Hernias

The stallion’s testicles are suspended outside the body, connected by the spermatic cord, which passes through the inguinal canal into the abdomen. This canal consists of the external inguinal ring and the vaginal (internal inguinal) ring, housed within a thin protective membrane called the vaginal tunic.

Scrotal herniation occurs when the intestine exits the abdomen through the inguinal canal, creating a noticeable bulge. The inguinal canal is a passage connecting the abdomen to the scrotum. If the tissue goes no further than the inguinal canal, an inguinal hernia is created. If the tissue descends completely through the inguinal canal and continues into the scrotum, the hernia is referred to as a scrotal hernia. ^[2][15][39]

This condition can be:

• Congenital: Present at birth, often less severe and more manageable. ^[2][15]
• Acquired: Typically seen in adult horses, particularly after procedures like castration, and carries a higher risk of complications. ^[39][40]

If the hernia obstructs blood flow to the intestine or testicles, it can lead to strangulation, causing tissue death and a life-threatening situation. Horses with suspected scrotal hernias require immediate veterinary attention, even if no strangulation is evident, as the condition can escalate rapidly.

Symptoms

In addition to moderate to severe colic, symptoms of scrotal hernia in horses include: ^[2][15]

• Swollen prepuce (skin surrounding the penis)
• Swollen scrotum
• Scrotum that is firm, cool, and painful

Although a congenital scrotal hernia is usually mild and resolves on its own without complication, strangulation can occur. Additional symptoms may occur in the rare case that a foal’s intestine becomes strangulated or ruptured, such as: ^[2][15]

• Lethargy
• Moist, cold scrotal skin
• Swelling of the prepuce and scrotum

Risk Factors

Scrotal hernias are most common in geldings shortly after castration. ^[2][40][41] Inguinal hernias are extremely rare in mares. ^[2][42]

Certain breeds have a higher risk of scrotal hernias. These include: ^{[2][15][40][43]}

• American Saddlebreds
• Andalusians
• European Warmbloods
• Tennessee Walking Horses
• Standardbreds

Causes

The causes of scrotal hernias have yet to be fully characterized, although genetics may play a role. ^[43]

Some possible explanations include: ^[2][15][43]

• Changes in intra-abdominal pressure due to exercise
• Morphological differences in the structures involved
• Movement of the intestine during mating or exercise

Diagnosis

Inguinal hernia is one of the few conditions on this list that may not require exploratory surgery to diagnose. The following diagnostic tools are typically adequate for evaluation: ^[2][28]

• Physical examination
• Rectal palpation
• Ultrasound

Treatment

The treatment for scrotal hernias is surgical reduction, performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision over the hernia and gently moves the intestines back into position, then seals the access point and closes the incision.

Prognosis

The prognosis for horses with an inguinal hernia is good if the intestine can be replaced manually. ^[44] Horses that require surgical intervention have a fair to good prognosis. ^[2][15]

Prevention

Preventing inguinal herniation is challenging because its exact causes are not fully understood. For castrated horses, prevention largely depends on the technique used during the castration procedure. ^[2]

6. Entrapments

Entrapments are similar to hernias in that they involve the intestines protruding through other structures, where they can become trapped and potentially cut off blood supply. Two of the most severe types of entrapments are mesenteric rents and epiploic foramen entrapments.

Mesenteric Rent Entrapment

Mesenteric rent entrapment occurs when a portion of the small intestine becomes trapped in a hole or tear in the mesentery, a fan-shaped structure that provides support and blood supply to the gastrointestinal tract. These holes can form spontaneously or as a result of injury. ^[2][44]

Symptoms

In addition to severe and unrelenting colic, a horse with mesenteric rent entrapment may exhibit the following symptoms: ^[2][15]

• Signs of shock including pale gums, weak pulse, and cold extremities
• Absent or decreased gastrointestinal noises
• Distended abdomen
• Reduced fecal output

Risk Factors

Mesenteric rent entrapments are more likely to occur in female horses, particularly broodmares. This is due to the foals’ movements before and during birth. ^[2][44]

Causes

The causes of mesenteric rent entrapments are not fully understood at this time but relate to the flexible and free-floating nature of the horse’s small intestine, and the presence of tears and holes in the mesentery. ^[2]

Mesenteric tears may be congenital or develop due to injury. Associated injuries may result from: ^[2][44]

• Gastric impaction
• Parasites
• Teratomas (a tumor made of hair, muscle, or other non-digestive tissues)
• Mesodiverticular bands (a band of tissue that attaches the intestine to the mesentery)

Treatment

The treatment for mesenteric rent entrapment is surgical. In mild cases, the intestine is manually removed from the tear in the mesentery. In serious cases, the removal of dead or damaged tissues is necessary. In extreme cases, a portion of the intestine must be resected, and the ends reattached. ^[44]

Prognosis

The prognosis for horses with mesenteric rent entrapment is guarded. For horses that survive surgery, the prognosis improves greatly. ^[2] Mares that survive the surgery have a high success rate in future foaling. ^[44]

Prevention

Specific preventative measures for mesenteric rent entrapment are not well-established. Supporting overall digestive health with a balanced forage-based diet and ensuring adequate salt and water intake may help promote a healthier gastrointestinal system, potentially lowering the risk of such conditions.

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Epiploic Foramen Entrapment

Epiploic foramen entrapment is a condition where part of the small intestine gets trapped in the epiploic foramen. The foramen is a natural opening in the omentum, which is a fatty membrane that protects the abdominal organs. ^[11][12][13]

Symptoms

Alongside severe and persistent colic, horses with epiploic foramen entrapment might experience some of the following: ^[2][15]

• Changes in gum color
• Decreased gut sounds
• Distended abdomen
• Gastric reflux
• Reduced fecal output

Risk Factors

Risk factors for epiploic foramen entrapment in horses include: ^{[2][12][14][15][16]}

• Windsucking
• Cribbing
• Above average height
• Thoroughbred and thoroughbred cross breeds
• A history of colic surgery within the past year
• Increased stall time in the past month
• Spookiness or anxiety

Causes

The causes of epiploic foramen entrapment are not fully understood at this time. Factors implicated in the development of this condition include: ^[12]

• Motion of the diaphragm, liver and abdominal wall during intense exercise
• Differences in pressure within the abdomen due to cribbing
• Morphology of the foramen

Treatment

Treatment for epiploic foramen entrapment is surgical. In mild cases, the intestine is manually removed from the foramen. In serious cases, damaged or dead tissue needs to be removed or a portion of the intestine needs to be resected and the ends reattached. ^[2][15]

Prognosis

The prognosis for horses with epiploic foramen entrapment is fair if detected early. ^{[2][11][13][46]} The outlook improves significantly if the horse successfully undergoes surgery.

Prevention

There are no established preventative measures for epiploic foramen entrapment, though surgical techniques to close the foramen are currently being explored. ^[11][13]

Supporting the horse’s digestive health and reducing stress and anxiety may help lower the risk of gastrointestinal complications associated with this condition.

Colic Surgery

Horses with signs of colic require prompt veterinary assessment. Some of the causes of colic are life-threatening and require emergency veterinary care.

Your veterinarian will evaluate your horse to identify the underlying cause of the gastrointestinal issue and determine whether surgery is necessary for diagnosis or treatment.

Several diagnostic tools are used to evaluate whether surgical intervention is necessary in horses experiencing colic, including: ^[2][15][44]

• Physical examination
• Rectal palpation
• Urinalysis
• Diagnostic imaging
• Abdominocentesis (sampling of abdominal fluid)
• Blood work
• Dental investigation
• Endoscopy (passing a scope into the stomach)
• Fecal analysis
• Nasogastric intubation

If these strategies are exhausted and a diagnosis has not been determined, exploratory surgery may be required to assess the condition within the horse’s abdomen. This is sometimes referred to as a celiotomy.

Exploratory surgery is often performed simultaneously with the surgical treatment of the underlying condition, if identified.

Recovery from abdominal surgery is lengthy and complete healing can take months. Recovering horses need a gradual reintroduction to exercise, transportation, social contact with other horses, and normal feeding routines.

Work closely with your veterinarian and adhere strictly to post-operative care instructions to ensure the best possible recovery for your horse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about severe gastrointestinal disorders in horses:

Summary

The horse's digestive system is long, sensitive, and complex, with structures that move freely within the abdominal cavity. This design makes the horse prone to a variety of gastrointestinal conditions.

• Common conditions include intussusception, enterolithiasis, volvulus, strangulating lipomas, inguinal hernias, and entrapments.
• Colic, a term used to describe abdominal pain in horses, should be treated as a medical emergency because some underlying conditions causing colic can be life-threatening.
• Signs of colic include depression, lethargy, restlessness, watching the flank, teeth grinding, and other behaviors indicating discomfort.
• While many diagnostic tools are employed to identify gastrointestinal conditions, exploratory surgery is often required to make a definitive diagnosis.