Medical treatment of horses with ileal impactions: 10 cases (1990-1994).
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate clinical and laboratory findings for horses treated medically for ileal impactions.


METHODS
Retrospective case series.


METHODS
10 horses with primary ileal impaction that were treated successfully with medical treatment alone.


METHODS
Medical records were reviewed for all horses with naturally developing ileal impaction seen at our hospital between 1990 and 1994.


RESULTS
Transrectal palpation revealed an impaction in the midabdominal area in all horses. Generalized distention of the small intestine was evident in 6 horses, whereas 4 horses were examined early in the course of the condition and did not have intestinal distention. Treatment consisted of intravenous administration of a balanced electrolyte solution, nasogastric intubation and siphonage, and administration of analgesics. Mineral oil was administered after gastric reflux had ceased. Mean time for resolution of ileal impaction was 11.7 hours.


CONCLUSIONS
Medical treatment may be a viable alternative for horses that cannot have surgery, provided persistent signs of severe pain or progressive gaseous distention of the small intestine are not features of the condition. Improvement of cardiovascular status, reduction in signs of abdominal pain, decrease in distention of loops of small intestine during repeated transrectal examination, softening of the impaction, and decreases in amounts of gastric reflux were indicative of a response to medical treatment.
Hanson
R R
RR
Department of Large Animal Surgery and Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, AL 36849-5522, USA.
Schumacher
J
J
Humburg
J
J
Dunkerley
S C
SC
D000818:Animals; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002400:Cathartics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003002:Clonixin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy / Q000662:veterinary; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005440:Fluid Therapy / Q000662:veterinary; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006736:Horses; D007077:Ileal Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous / Q000662:veterinary; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D007441:Intubation, Gastrointestinal / Q000662:veterinary; D008297:Male; D008899:Mineral Oil / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012996:Solutions
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D002400:Cathartics; D004573:Electrolytes; D012996:Solutions; D008899:Mineral Oil; C014558:flunixin meglumine; D003002:Clonixin