Page 771 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

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Figure 17.10 This section of small intestine has changed colour due to loss of its blood supply

INDICATIONS FOR SURGERY

Horses with colic that do not respond well to medication should be regularly re-examined as
the horse may be taking a turn for the worse. The earlier any serious signs are recognized and
the horse is referred to an equine hospital, the better the chance of successful surgery.

The signs that surgery may be required that your vet will be looking for include:

• continued severe pain despite the use of painkillers

• a heart rate that is persistently above 60 beats per minute
• deterioration in the colour of the mucous membranes and capillary refill

• a rising PCV

• rectal findings that give cause for concern, e.g. gas-filled loops of small intestine that can

indicate an obstruction or distension and the presence of tight bands of tissue on the
surface of the large bowel.

• changes in the peritoneal fluid
• spontaneous gastric reflux from the nostrils

• reflux of 2 litres or more on passage of a stomach tube

• progressive abdominal distension and decrease in gut sounds.