Gastric impaction and obstruction of the small intestine associated with persimmon phytobezoar in a horse.
Signs of mild colic, intermittent lethargy, and weight loss of 6 weeks' duration in a 2-year-old Quarter Horse gelding were attributed to persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) phytobezoar formation. Diagnosis of the phytobezoar was facilitated by gastric endoscopy. Signs of gastrointestinal tract obstruction were associated with a large phytobezoar in the lumen of the stomach, gastric ulceration, and obstruction of the small intestine (as a consequence of fragmentation of the primary bezoar). Conservative treatment, using mineral oil and dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, was unsuccessful. A celiotomy was performed, and gastric impaction and partial obstruction of the small intestine associated with phytobezoar formation and fragmentation were identified. The horse made a complete recovery following removal of all phytobezoars. Persimmon phytobezoar should be considered in the fall and winter as a possible cause of lethargy, colic, and weight loss in horses allowed access to persimmon fruit.
Kellam
L L
LL
Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia 65211, USA.
Johnson
P J
PJ
Kramer
J
J
Keegan
K G
KG
D000818:Animals; D001630:Bezoars / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary*; D003085:Colic / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004386:Duodenum; D005638:Fruit; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary; D005773:Gastroscopy / Q000662:veterinary; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D006736:Horses; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D007583:Jejunum; D008297:Male; D013270:Stomach; D013276:Stomach Ulcer / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary