Cholelith causing duodenal obstruction in a horse.

This research article presents a case study of a horse suffering from colic, which was caused by a large cholelith (gallstone) obstructing the duodenum.

Overview of the Case

• The subject of this research was a 10-year-old Appaloosa stallion, referred for evaluation due to symptoms of colic – a digestive disorder causing severe discomfort in horses.
• Upon admission, the horse showed signs of distress including high heart rate, increased respiratory rate, prolonged capillary refill time, and elevated rectal temperature, suggesting the presence of a systemic disorder.
• A considerable amount of reflux (around 15 liters) was found during nasogastric intubation, indicating severe dysfunction in the horse’s digestive system.

Clinical Findings and Diagnosis

• Further examination revealed an abdominal mass causing pain upon rectal palpation.
• An exploratory laparotomy – a surgical procedure involving the examination of the abdominal cavity – was conducted, revealing a mass in the ascending portion of the duodenum (the first section of the small intestine right after the stomach).
• Manipulation of this obstruction led to a rupture in the small intestine at the site of the mass.
• Due to the severity of the condition and the horse’s prognosis, it was decided to euthanize the animal.
• Post mortem examination confirmed the cause of the obstruction to be a large cholelith, a gallstone formed within the gallbladder or bile ducts. Many more choleliths of varying sizes were found in the pancreatic and common bile ducts, as well as in the stomach.

Implications and Conclusions

• The study provides valuable insights into the severe implications of gallstones in horses, a condition that can mimic colic and is difficult to diagnose and treat.
• The severe internal impact of the choleliths led to the horse’s distress and eventually necessitated euthanasia, demonstrating the importance of early detection and intervention for such conditions.