Page 802 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

gently walked around for 20 minutes to disperse the fluid around the abdomen and the fluid

is then drained. This may be done 2–3 times daily for 2–3 days.
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Figure 17.20 Peritoneal lavage

SURGERY

If a recent rupture of the gastrointestinal tract or the uterus is suspected, exploratory surgery
may be carried out. This allows identification of the problem and repair or euthanasia as
appropriate. Any abscesses or foreign material can be removed. Peritoneal lavage can be

carried out more effectively than in the standing horse.

Surgery may also be performed if the horse is not responding to medical management or
is experiencing severe, unrelenting pain. In many cases the horse is euthanased on the

operating table.

Prognosis

Cases of gut rupture have a hopeless prognosis. In other cases, the prognosis depends on the