A practical approach to colic surgery in horses.
Initial treatment of colic is aimed at maintaining hydration and acid-base balance, controlling pain and reestablishing peristalsis. A poor response to medical treatment in the first 12-18 hours suggests the need for laparotomy. Other indications for surgery include: rising pulse rate, exceeding 60/minute for several hours; congested mucosae; delayed capillary refill; silent abdomen; gastric reflux; distended or displaced loops of bowel on rectal examination; intractable pain; and adverse laboratory findings. Postoperative care should consist of hand-walking for 30 days, followed by confinement in a small paddock for another 60 days, and reduced grain intake.
D000768:Anesthesia, General / Q000662:veterinary; D000818:Animals; D003085:Colic / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D006736:Horses; D007410:Intestinal Diseases / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D007430:Intraoperative Care / Q000662:veterinary; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000662:veterinary; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000662:veterinary