Recurrent Colic Diagnosis

Recurrent colic is typically defined as three or more episodes of transient or prolonged colic occurring over a period of months or upwards of a year.
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Recurrent colic is typically defined as three or more episodes of transient or prolonged colic occurring over a period of months or upwards of a year. Causes vary and can include parasites, gastric ulcers, sand accumulation, impactions, intermittent intestinal gas, enteroliths (intestinal stones/concretions), intra- or extraluminal masses resulting in partial obstructions, and colonic displacements, among other problems. Although a practitioner cannot always determine a definitive etiology without exploratory surgery, many diagnostics are available to help pinpoint the most likely cause.

A complete history and physical exam with laboratory analysis by a veterinarian is typically recommended for a horse with recurrent colic. The exam should include an oral component, because horses needing dental care might have difficulty chewing and can be predisposed to impactions. Initial evaluation also would include a rectal palpation and might include nasogastric intubation if the horse actively displays colic signs. A complete blood cell count and biochemistry profile evaluates red blood cells, white blood cells, electrolytes, total protein, albumin (a protein manufactured within the liver), and liver and kidney values.

Depending on the geographic region and the veterinary practice, field diagnostic capabilities might be somewhat limited. In these cases a veterinarian likely will recommend fecal sample evaluation for parasites and will discuss deworming program, diet, and how the horse's pasture is managed.

If the initial evaluation doesn't reveal a likely cause for the colic episodes, the veterinarian might consider additional diagnostic testing methods, starting with routinely available procedures such as endoscopy of the stomach or ultrasound of the abdomen. He or she might also recommend an abdominocentesis (a belly tap), radiographs of the abdomen, and small intestinal and/or rectal biopsy. The abdominocentesis, which can be performed under light sedation with a local anesthetic, samples fluid from the abdominal cavity that surrounds the organs and intestine. Inflammation or infection within the abdomen can result in changes in the peritoneal fluid

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Written by:

Amanda Martabano House, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, is an assistant professor in the department of large animal clinical sciences at the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

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