Impaction Colic Research Articles

Presurgical radiographic visualization of colonic displacement in horses suspected of sand impaction colic

Presurgical radiographic visualization of colonic displacement in horses suspected of sand impaction colic

Management and Prevention of Impaction Colic in a 56-Year Old Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus)

Management and Prevention of Impaction Colic in a 56-Year Old Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus)

125 Quantification of chewing frequency in horses consuming bermudagrass hay compared with other popular equine forages

Bermudagrass is the most common fine-stemmed hay forage in the southeastern United State due to its adaptation to this region. The low cost and easy access contribute to bermudagrass hay being commonly fed, consequently it is detected in the digestive tracts of most horses submitted to regional veterinary clinics for impaction colic surgery. A potential association between fine stemmed forages and increased risk of impaction colic may be differences in chewing patterns compared with other hay types. Chewing encourages saliva production which assists in particle size reduction and works as a lubricant, assisting in transit through the gastrointestinal tract. Using 2 studies, the objective of this research was to compare the chewing rate of bermudagrass to other common equine forages. A preliminary 5-week study utilizing 5 privately owned horses routinely fed bermudagrass hay at one feeding and timothy hay at another was conducted to evaluate potential effects of hay type on chewing frequency. Horses were fitted with a RumiWatch® halter (ITIN + HOCH, Switzerland) to quantify chewing patterns and fed their normal amount of hay each feeding. Chewing patterns were continuously monitored until the next meal, and data was reported on a per minute basis. Hay was weighed before feeding, and refused hay was weighed back so the total chews/kg consumed could be calculated. Data were statisticallyanalyzed (Minitab v.21, State College, PA) as a mixed ANOVA with treatment as a fixed effect. Results indicate that horses chewed bermudagrass at a lower frequency compared with timothy (4643 vs. 7461 chews/kg, P = 0.003). At the conclusion of this study, a larger study utilizing 8 horses fed twice daily at 1.5% body weight in forage was conducted to test chewing frequency when eating bermudagrass, alfalfa, ryegrass, and orchardgrass hays. Horses received treatments in a 4 × 4 Latin square design having an acclimation period one week before a 3-d data collection using the RumiWatch® halter. Data were calculated as chews/kg and statistically compared using the same protocol used in the preliminary study. Results indicate that horses chew bermudagrass hay (3649 chews/kg) less as compared orchardgrass (4811 chews/kg), alfalfa (4571 chews/kg), and ryegrass (4763 chews/kg)(P < 0.001). Results further indicate no difference between the minutes chewed for bermudagrass (65.1 min/kg) to alfalfa (73.4 min/kg). However, there are differences between bermudagrass to orchardgrass (76.6 min/kg) and ryegrass (78.7 min/kg P < 0.05) which potentially causes reduction in saliva production and increased risk of impaction colic.

103 Chew frequency and duration in horses consuming bermudagrass hay in slow feeders as compared to loose hay

Stabled horses are predisposed to gastrointestinal disorders related to hay consumption. Horses produce saliva when chewing which contains sodium bicarbonate to buffer stomach acid, lubricate a food bolus, and aid in digestion. Chewing hay over a prolonged period allows for buffering of stomach acid to aid in prevention of gastric ulcers. Additionally, increased chewing results in food particle size reduction and improves lubrication to potentially decrease the incidence of impaction colic. Hay nets have been promoted to slow the rate of hay consumption, with many styles of nets and slow feeders currently marketed for horses. No research has yet demonstrated whether hay nets cause the horse to increase their chewing frequency and chewing duration, or whether the slowing effect is simply due to restriction in the amount of forage they can ingest per bite. The objective of this study was to compare chew frequency (CF, total number of chews/kg consumed) and chew duration (CD, total minutes chewed/kg consumed) of horses eating bermudagrass hay in 3 styles of hay nets [large mesh (LM), small mesh (SM), bottom hole (BH)] as compared with a control of loose hay (CTL). Before initiating this project, trial data was collected from 2 horses over 4 d and demonstrated that horses acclimate quickly to hay nets. No differences were seen in CF from day one through d 4 (P = 0.49). Eight horses were then divided into 2 trials, with the4 horses in each trial rotating through treatments in a Latin square design.Each horse was given a 24-h acclimation period to a treatment, and then their chewing patterns were recorded for the following 24 h using an automated halter fit with a pressure-sensor noseband (EquiwatchTM, Liestal, Switzerland). Refused hay was weighed back, and CF and CD were calculated per kg of hay consumed. Data were analyzed using Minitab v.21 (State College, PA, USA) as a mixed model ANOVA with net type as the fixed effect and a post hoc Tukey's test to compare treatments. Data with P < 0.05 were considered statistically different. No treatment difference was noted in amount of hay consumed, with horses chewing an average of 6.8 ± 0.3 kg per treatment. Results indicate no difference between treatments in CF (P = 0.72). CD showed no overall treatment effect (P = 0.27), however, when individual treatments were compared, a statistical difference between SM and CTL was noted (262 vs 189 min respectively, P = 0.001). Results of this study indicate that slow feeders do not influence the number of chews a horse performs while masticating hay, but small mesh feeders do increase the amount of time spent chewing as compared with loose hay.

Effects of a nutraceutical supplement on gastrointestinal health in racing standardbreds.

Feed additives that accelerate gastrointestinal transit time may help support normal gastrointestinal function in horses at risk for impaction colic. Previous research has demonstrated significant stimulatory effect of a hemp-based nutraceutical product (Gs Formula; GF) on contractility of gastric smooth muscle and gastrin production in vitro. To quantify effects of GF on indicators of GIT transit time and tight junction proteins. Randomized placebo-controlled cross-over study. Eight Standardbreds were administered 200 plastic beads by nasogastric tube before (baseline; BL) and after receiving a diet containing GF (CON: 0g/day, LO: 160g/day or HI: 480g/day) for 28days. Total manure collection occurred every 2hours for 72hours after bead administration. Outcome measures included GIT transit time, faecal dry matter (DM), water intake, and complete biochemistry and haematology screens. There was no effect of GF on GIT transit time. Faecal output was significantly lower in LO and HI horses than CON horses after 28days on the supplement. HI horses have significantly lower rouleaux formation and lower faecal DM on Day 28 compared with BL. GF also produced changes in electrolytes associated with pH balance, which may indicate a role for GF as an alkalinizing compound in exercising horses. Clinical pathology results support the safety of GF up to 480g/day for 28days with no adverse effects being observed in haematology or biochemistry results. Future studies on GF should focus on evaluating effect of GF on gastrointestinal transit in horses with naturally or experimentally delayed gastrointestinal motility, and its effect on exercise performance and onset of fatigue. GF may help support normal gastrointestinal function in horses at risk for impaction colic by reducing faecal DM and rouleaux formation.

Perisuspensory abscessation in eight horses with hindlimb cellulitis

SummaryThis study reports a distinct presentation of cellulitis, which involved formation of perisuspensory abscessation in eight horses. Medical records of horses presented for cellulitis unresponsive to medical treatment were reviewed. Cases in which perisuspensory abscesses were diagnosed were included. All abscesses formed between the cannon bone and suspensory ligament and extended around one or both suspensory branches. Abscesses were diagnosed via ultrasonography upon admission in three horses and developed within a few days following admission in five horses. All horses were treated with broad‐spectrum antibiotics, anti‐inflammatories, topical therapies and regional limb perfusions; however, only partial improvement of clinical signs was observed with medical therapy alone. Full resolution of clinical signs was obtained in all cases once the abscess was surgically lanced and drained. The surgical drainage was performed standing in seven cases and under general anaesthesia in one. In all cases, Staphylococcus aureus was cultured. Six out of eight isolates showed at least some level of antibiotic resistance, and penicillin and trimethoprim sulfonamides were most commonly involved. Short‐term complications included skin necrosis in two cases and mild impaction colic in two cases and were successfully treated. All horses were discharged from the hospital within 4–13 days and were sound upon discharge. All Thoroughbreds (n = 7) were able to return to their intended use, and the Standardbred was unraced prior to the cellulitis event and remained unraced afterwards.

Study on Major Causes of Equine Colic at the Donkey Sanctuary and SPANA Clinic in Bishoftu Town

A case series study was conducted between December 2009 and April 2010 at the donkey sanctuary and SPANA clinics in Bishoftu town to determine the major causes of equine colic. During the study period a total of 121 (9.1%) episodes of colic were recorded in a population of 1336 equine (800 horses, 500 donkeys and 36 mules). From the total cases 93 (11.6%) and 28 (5.6%) were horses and donkeys, respectively. No mule was observed with colic problem. The proportion of colic cases in horses was significantly (p=0.0003) higher than that of donkeys. The major risk factors found associated with colic were feed change, parasite infestation and poor deworming history, enteroliths, heavy work, age and dental abnormalities (P<0.05) in the cases. Physical and clinical examination of the colic cases showed elevated respiratory and pulse rates, congested mucous membrane, increased mean of PVC-value, decreased appetite, abdominal distension, poor body condition, intermittent and continuous abdominal pain and dullness. Donkey were more commonly affected with impaction colic (78.6%) and less commonly with flatulent colic (21.4%). The most important colic identified in horses was spasmodic colic (66.7%) followed by impaction colic (25.8%) and undefined colic (7.6%). In conclusion, improving feeding management, implementing parasite control strategies and raising the awareness of the owners of equids are needed in order to prevent the impact of the diseases on equine production.

Equine colic: clinical epidemiology and associated risk factors in and around Debre Zeit

A prospective study was conducted to describe clinical epidemiology of equine colic in the Society for Protection of Animal Abroad and Donkey Sanctuary Project Clinic, at Debre Zeit, Ethiopia, from November 2014 to April 2015. The objectives were to describe clinical epidemiology of equine colic, to characterize the main types of equine colic, and to determine the major risk factors associated with equine colic. The method which was used in the study was attending clinical case of equine and assessing physiological parameters, fecal egg count, abdominal sounds, and rectal examination as well as questioner interviewing of the owners. The data were collected and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science. The incidence of colic was 10.3% in the study period. Colicky were typed as unknown, flatulent, impaction, spasmodic, and enterolithiasis. The proportion of case incidence were 63.1 (41/65), 33.8 (22/65), and 3.1% (2/65), in donkey, horse, and mule, respectively. The total mean (±SD) of temperature 37.80±1.003, heart rate 57.54±10.098, fecal egg count 236.922±67.990, respiratory rate 30.92±7.315, and packed cell volume 41.40±10.221 were recorded. The case fatality rate of equine colic was 15.38% (10/65). There were statistically highly significant (p<0.01) differences in impaction colic in relation to species. Interview with 183 equine owners revealed incidence of equine colic as the sixth major disease condition affecting equine. A long-term epidemiological study of the true representative population should be carried out to determine the incidence rate and associated risk factors of equine colic in the study area.

Risk Factors Associated with Impaction Colic in Horses at North Western Area of Libya

Colic is a serious clinical condition affecting the welfare and survival of horses at the studs worldwide. However little is known about the incidence or risk factors associated with this condition among different horse groups or populations in Libya. In this work, we assessed the risk factors associated with impaction colic in horses in western part of Libya. Diagnosis was based on clinical findings and rectal examination. A questionnaire was constructed to assess the risk factors. Data analysis was performed by logistic regression analysis. Eighty-three horses were showing signs of impaction colic. Final multivariate logistic regression model showed that there was a significant association between the occurrence of impaction colic and previous exposure to colic (p < 0.5 ; OR: 1.9; 95% CI: 7.5-8.9 ), Dental diseases (p < 0.05 ; OR: 3.2 95% CI:1.1-9.5), racing (p < 0.5 ; OR: 4.2 95% CI: 3.9-4.5 ), and breed (d < 0.05; OR: 86.9; 95% CI:2.3-3.2. The results of the present study indicate that managemental risk factors are the major risks for impaction colic in race horses. Identification of risk factors may assist the clinician to construct effective preventive measures.

Oxidative Stress Associated With Spasmodic, Flatulent, and Impaction Colic in Draft Horses

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the oxidative stress level and antioxidant trace elements status associated with spasmodic, flatulent, and impaction colic in draft horses. For this purpose, venous blood samples were obtained from 20 randomly selected clinically healthy draft horses (control group) and 60 draft horses with different types of colic (spasmodic colic, n = 20; flatulent colic, n = 20; and impaction colic, n = 20). In horses with flatulent and impaction colic, there was a significant (P < .05) decrease in the total antioxidant capacity and activity of reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT) as well as level of selenium, copper, zinc, and iron. However, there was a significant (P < .05) increase in the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and in the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and manganese. Meanwhile, glutathione reductase (GR) was significantly (P < .05) increased in flatulent colic and significantly (P < .05) decreased in impaction colic. The oxidative stress index (OSI) was significantly (P < .05) increased in horses with flatulent and impaction colic. In horses with flatulent colic, there was a negative correlation between CAT and SOD (r = −0.446), MDA and zinc (r = −0.450), and IL-6 and zinc (r = −0.470). However, those with impaction colic, a negative correlation was recorded between CAT and MDA (r = −0.602), copper and GSH (r = −0.474), iron and GR (r = −0.511), and OSI and GR (r = −0.662). The results of the present study indicate that oxidative stress, with alteration of antioxidant trace element levels, is a feature of flatulent and impaction colic in draft horses.

Case control study to investigate risk factors for impaction colic in donkeys in the UK

Impaction colic is the single most common type of colic diagnosed in a large population of donkeys (more than 2000 animals) at The Donkey Sanctuary, UK and the fatality rate from the disease is high. Here we identify risk factors for impaction colic in this population during 2006 using an unmatched case control study. There were 71 cases of impaction colic and multivariable analysis identified a number of variables associated with the disease. Management factors that increased the risk of impaction included paper bedding, feeding of concentrates, limited access to pasture and increasing number of carers. In addition health variables that were associated with an increased risk of impaction colic were weight loss, recent vaccination and a number of dental abnormalities. This study has identified variables which may help to identify donkeys at high risk of impaction colic; those with a history of weight loss and with concurrent dental pathology. Furthermore the study has also identified a number of variables that may be targeted to reduce the incidence of impaction colic in this donkey population, such as modification of concentrate feeding practices and pasture access.

Epidemiology of impaction colic in donkeys in the UK

BackgroundColic (abdominal pain) is a clinical condition of serious concern affecting the welfare and survival of donkeys at the Donkey Sanctuary in the UK. One of the most commonly reported causes is due to impacted ingesta in the large intestine ("impaction colic"). However little is known about the incidence of, or risk factors for, this condition. Here we describe the epidemiology of colic in donkeys, specifically impaction colic. We focus on temporal aspects of the disease and we identify environmental and management related risk factors for impaction colic in UK donkeys.ResultsThere were 807 colic episodes in the population of 4596 donkeys between January 1st 2000 and March 31st 2005. The majority (54.8%) of episodes were due to a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of impaction of the gastrointestinal tract. The mortality risk for all colics (51.1%) was higher than reported in other equids. The incidence rate of all colics (5.9 episodes per 100 donkeys per year) and of impaction colic (3.2 episodes) was similar to that in horses. A retrospective matched case-control study of all impaction colics from January 2003 (193) indicated that older donkeys, those fed extra rations and those that previously suffered colic were at increased risk of impaction. Lighter body weight, musculo-skeletal problems, farm and dental disease were also significantly associated with a diagnosis of impaction colic.ConclusionTo our knowledge this is the first study to estimate the incidence rate of colic in a large population of donkeys in the UK. In contrast to other equids, impaction was the most commonly reported cause of colic. We identified several risk factors for impaction colic. Increasing age, extra rations and previous colic are known risk factors for colic in other equids. Results support the hypothesis that dental disease is associated with impaction colic. Musculo-skeletal problems may be associated with colic for various reasons including change in amount of exercise or time at pasture. Other associated factors (weight and farm) are the subject of further research. Identification of risk factors for impaction colic may highlight high risk donkeys and may allow intervention strategies to be introduced to reduce the incidence of the disease.

Datura contamination of hay as the suspected cause of an extensive outbreak of impaction colic in horses : clinical communication

Datura poisoning of horses is extensively reviewed. An outbreak of intractable impaction colic affecting 18 of 83 horses was stopped by withdrawing dried tef hay contaminated with young Datura plants. The dried, botanically identified Datura stramonium and D. ferox contained respectively 0.15% mass/mass (m/m) hyoscyamine as well as 0.16% m/m hyoscine (scopolamine) and only hyoscine at a concentration of 0.11% m/m. Immature, unidentifiable plants resembling D. stramonium, contained 0.14% m/m and 0.12% m/m of the 2 respective tropane alkaloids. The outbreak was characterised by protracted and repeated colic attacks due to impaction of the large colon and/or caecum without any other anti-muscarinic signs. Comparative analyses of single specimens of dried seed of the 2 species collected from both fertilised and waste areas revealed that young South African Datura spp. had levels of tropane alkaloids comparable to those in the well-known toxic seed and were, consequently, equally toxic. The inherent danger of tef hay being contaminated with Datura is emphasised. To our knowledge this is the 1st field case of poisoning in horses ascribed to the vegetative parts of Datura spp.

Foraging enrichment for individually housed horses: Practicality and effects on behaviour

The stabled (UK) or stalled (USA) horse is commonly fed a restricted-forage diet in contrast to the varied ad libitum high-fibre diet it evolved to consume. A low-forage diet has been linked to the performance of stereotypical behaviour and health problems including gastric ulceration and impaction colic (in cases where horses are bedded on straw). Provision of a diet closer to that which the horse is adapted to and which enables more natural feeding behaviour warrants investigation. This trial aimed to establish whether the behavioural effects observed in short-term trials when stabled horses were provided with a multiple forage diet persist over longer periods. It also aimed to develop a practical methodology for maintaining stabled horses under forage-enriched conditions. Nine horses (aged 5–20 years, various breeds), acting as their own controls, participated in an 18-day, cross-over, Latin Square designed trial, in which they received comparable weights of two dietary treatments: a Single Forage (SF, hay) diet and a Multiple Forage (MF) diet (three long-chop and three short-chop commercially available forages). Following a 2-day acclimatisation, horses were maintained on the forage treatments for 7 days. Horses were observed on alternate days, morning and afternoon, during the 25 min following forage presentation. Horses then crossed over onto their second treatment and, following a further 2 days’ acclimatisation, the same protocol was followed for a further 7 days. Observations from video were made using The Observer 3.0 ® and SPPS (version 11). Horses on the MF treatment performed foraging behaviour significantly more frequently and for significantly longer periods than horses on the SF treatment. On the MF treatment horses sampled all forages during observations. However, there were significant differences in the frequency and duration of foraging on individual forages, indicating that horses demonstrated individual preferences for particular forages. Stereotypic weaving behaviour only occurred on the SF treatment. The results indicate that the potentially beneficial behavioural effects of short-term multiple forage provision do persist when horses are managed on a MF diet for a 7-day period. They suggest that a MF diet provides a means of enriching the stabled horse's environment, by offering variety and enabling patch foraging behaviour. The methodology proved practical for maintaining horses under forage-enriched conditions and could easily be adopted by horse owners to facilitate foraging behaviour.

IN VITRO EVALUATION OF THE EFFECT OF OPIOID ANTAGONIST, N‐METHYLNALTREXONE ON MOTILITY IN THE EQUINE JEJUNUM AND PELVIC FLEXURE

While potent analgesic agents, opioids reduce intestinal transport in the intestine, thereby increasing transit times and the potential for impaction colic. Methylnaltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist which does not cross the blood‐brain barrier, does not reverse the analgesic effects of morphine, and directly stimulates isolated smooth muscle strips in humans.Objective: To determine if N‐methynaltrexone has an effect on contractile activity of the equine jejunum and pelvic flexure.Study Design: In vitro investigation using isolated circular smooth muscle strips.Animals: 8 adult horses (n=200 muscle strips).Methods: Increasing concentrations of N‐methylnaltrexone were added to tissue baths in the range of 1×10−9 M to 1×10−5 M, and contractile responses were recorded for 3 minutes. Data was analyzed using a repeated measures ANOVA with statistical significance as P&lt;0.05.Results: The administration of N‐methylnaltrexone significantly increased the contractile frequency and amplitude at all concentrations relative to baseline (P &lt;0.0001) for the jejunum. The response was greatest at 1×10−7 M (P=0.0005) with a mean difference from baseline of 0.341 mg/cm2. The highest concentration evaluated (1×10−5 M) had a mean contractile strength of 0.206 mg/cm2 which was significantly greater than baseline activity (P=0.04). A significant increase in contractile activity for the colon was detected at 3×10−6 M (P=0.027) and 1×10−5 M (P=0.002).Clinical Relevance: Potentially, this agent could be used in conjunction with morphine to provide more potent and effective analgesia without compromising intestinal function.

Investigation of an outbreak of tapeworm-associated colic in a training yard.

A novel serological assay which measures IgG(T) specific for a 12/13 kDa protein of the equine tapeworm Anoplocephala perfoliata was used as part of a colic outbreak investigation. A training/rehabilitation yard for Thoroughbreds and Arabs was found to have an increasing incidence of colic over a 5 year period, culminating in a peak incidence of 1.15 episodes/horse year at risk. Four animals suffered from ileal impaction colic which necessitated surgical management. A case-control study design suggested a strong association between tapeworm infection and colic, with evidence of a dose-response relationship. Intervention, in the form of anticestode anthelminthics, coincided with a decrease in the incidence of colic and a fall in anti-12/13 kDa IgG(T) antibody levels of 8 horses monitored post-treatment. This study demonstrates that anthelminthic regimens, using exclusively ivermectin, may lead to an increase in tapeworm infection intensity which may in turn lead to an increased incidence of colic. Furthermore, it provides support to the hypothesis that the risk of ileal impaction colic and spasmodic colic increases with tapeworm infection intensity. The practical application of the anti-12/13 kDa IgG(T) ELISA is demonstrated by this study.

Antithrombin III (ATIII) activity in plasmas from normal and diseased horses, and in normal canine, bovine and human plasmas.

Plasma Antithrombin III (ATIII) activity was quantitated in 24 clinically normal Standardbred/Thoroughbred horses using a clotting time technique. ATIII activity ranged from 80 to 106% of the pooled reference standard plasma, with a mean of 94%. Horses presenting with impaction or spasmotic colic (n=17) had normal plasma ATIII activity, while 15 horses presenting with acute diarrhea/colitis had significantly lower plasma ATIII activity with a mean of only 74% of the reference plasma. Seven horses presenting with liver disease had significantly higher plasma ATIII activity with a range of 127 to 177% of the pooled reference plasma. Fifty-seven equine plasmas were retested using a rapid chromogenic substrate technique for quantitating plasma ATIII activity. A good correlation (r =+0.83) existed between clotting time and chromogenic determinations of ATIII. Pooled normal canine, human and bovine plasmas had only 65, 62 and 79%, respectively, of the ATIII activity of the equine reference plasma.