The treatment of equine colic.

This study explores several treatment methods for equine colic, mainly impaction, providing experiences and perspectives from various veterinarians on treatments they have successfully implemented in their practice.

Overview of Impaction and its Treatment

Impaction in horses refers to a blockage in the digestive tract, specifically the caecum, which is potentially fatal. The study reviews three different treatment methods:

• Liquid Paraffin and Ether: Administered through the esophageal tube, this treatment method has been successful in mitigating the effects of impaction.
• Barium Chloride: Given intravenously, this method is seen as a controlled dosage and is repeated as necessary.
• Water and Sodium Solution: An esophageal tube is used to administer twelve gallons of water, with twelve ounces of sodium chloride and eight ounces of sodium bicarbonate. Additionally, two pints of a similar sodium solution are given intravenously.

Experiences of Veterinarians

The experiences and views of three veterinarians: S. R. Bishop, L. A. Auchterlonie, and W. W. Lang, are also shared. Each has had success with their preferred method, however, all agree that treatment success is often dependent on the severity and timing of diagnosis.

• Bishop advocated for the use of liquid paraffin and ether, administered through an esophageal tube.
• Auchterlonie and Bodger in England, both prefer the intravenous administration of barium chloride.
• Lang’s approach involves using a sizable quantity of a sodium solution (eight ounces of sodium bicarbonate and two pints of a 5 percent solution of sodium chloride and sodium citrate). Lang reported the successful recovery of eight out of nine cases with this method.

Avoidance of Prostration and Mortality Rate

While these treatment methods have shown some levels of success, they are also associated with risks such as prostration, a condition where the horse becomes extremely weak or incapacitated. Lang admitted that his favored intravenous method could potentially lead to prostration. However, he reported an impressive recovery rate of less than 7 percent fatalities in a month, out of 46 cases of colic he treated.

Caveats and Considerations

The author points out some of the reservations they have about these treatments. The large oil injection method advocated by Bishop, while potentially effective, poses issues related to cost and the tediousness of the process. The author also expressed concern over the potential likelihood of prostration from intravenous treatment methods, especially on weaker horses.