A CASE OF COLON DISPLACEMENT IN A HORSE IN GHANA

HISTORY:

A call came through around 8:30 pm complaining of colic in Lydia. The Veterinary team visited quickly to attend to Lydia. Lydia was reportedly normal in the morning before all horses were released to the field to graze. Around 5 pm, however, Lydia was observed showing signs of colic. Her last stool passed was loose

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION:

• sweating and severe signs of discomfort
• congested mucus membrane
• abdominal sounds were absent
• tachypnea
• mucoid discharge from the anus
• very severe pain
• about 50cm superficial laceration on the left flank

“thorough physical examination in horses is an essential component of modern veterinary practice, follow this link to learn about modern advancements in veterinary health care or service delivery”

RECTAL PALPATION

• rectal palpation revealed colon displacement to the left
• extreme signs of pain during the rectal palpation was observed such that she even tried sitting down during the palpation

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS

• left dorsal displacement of the large colon
• caecal impaction
• colitis

TREATMENT PLAN the 

• release the torsion
• Relieve possible obstruction
• relieve abdominal pain

CONCLUSION

Lydia passed and the postmortem confirmed that there was torsion in the gastrointestinal tract

”have you considered which vaccines to give to your horses in your country, check this out!”