Chronic colic in the mature horse: a retrospective review of 106 cases.

This research is a retrospective review of 106 horses that presented with chronic colic over a 5-year period. The causes, diagnoses, and methods of diagnosis of chronic colic, which was defined as colic signs observed for at least three days, were examined.

Methodology

• The researchers conducted a retrospective review of 106 horses that had presented with chronic colic over a 5-year period.
• Chronic colic was defined as displaying signs of colic daily for at least three days, unless the signs were hidden by painkillers.
• The researchers examined the diagnosis methods and causes of the chronic colic.

Findings

• The main diagnosed causes of chronic colic were found to be colonic impaction (31% of cases), peritonitis (16%), enteritis/colitis (7%), colonic displacement/torsion (6%), and lymphosarcoma (4%).
• A variety of other diseases were diagnosed in a smaller number of cases, including intestinal adhesions, ileal obstructions, grass sickness, liver disease, caecal impactions, thromboembolic disease, and intussusceptions.
• No diagnosis was obtained in 8% of cases.

Diagnosis Methods

• In most cases of colonic impaction and peritonitis, diagnosis was reasonably easy and was achieved through the results of transrectal palpation and evaluation of peritoneal fluid.
• In diagnosing some of the other diseases, specific clinical features were useful and included transrectal palpation, abdominal paracentesis, and laboratory evaluations of blood.
• In a few cases, exploratory laparotomy remained necessary to secure a diagnosis.