Gastric and small intestinal ileus as a cause of acute colic in the post parturient mare.

The research focuses on a relatively rare cause of gastrointestinal discomfort and pain, known as ileus, in post parturient mares. The study analyzes the occurrence, causes, treatment, and overall outcome of the said condition.

Study Objective and Methodology

This research has been conducted with the purpose of investigating and providing a comprehensive description of a number of gastric and small intestinal ileus episodes. The study undertakes a retrospective approach, delving into colic incidents encountered in an equine practice in Newmarket, UK over a timeframe of 6 years (from 2002 to 2007).

• The research focuses on post parturient mares exclusively, paying special attention to those subjected to gastric and small intestinal ileus.
• The primary goal is to identify the causes of ileus, provide suitable treatment, and observe the outcomes.

Research Findings and Conclusions

Multiple relevant findings have been gleaned from the conducted research.

• Seventeen incidences of gastric and small intestinal ileus were found in 15 horses, all being post parturient mares.
• No previously known cause of ileus was determined in any of the cases studied, suggesting the existence of unknown factors contributing to the condition.
• Out of the 17 cases, 15 were given medical treatment, such as medical support and nasogastric decompression. Nine of these cases also underwent surgical decompression.
• Due to the severity of the condition – gastric rupture, two mares were euthanized before treatment. The remaining 13 mares survived, with a subsequent follow-up period of at least 10 months.
• Further incidents of gastric and small intestinal ileus occurred in two mares, either 4 days or 2 years after the initial episode.

In conclusion, the research suggests that gastric and small intestinal ileus of unknown etiology may be a contributing cause of acute colic in post parturient mares. The treatment typically involves decompression and generally results in positive outcomes. However, the study also reveals that further research is required to explore the unknown causes contributing to ileus.