Very Common
Less Common
OTHER DIAGNOSES CONSIDERED
Other conditions or ailments that might also need to be ruled out by a vet.
Diagnosis
Conditions or ailments that are the cause of a problem that you see - your observation.
Your vet may diagnose
Large Colon Volvulus or Torsion
Summary
Large colon volvulus or torsion is an intestinal accident in which the huge large colon rotates on its axis, twisting off the normal flow of feed and gas, and blocking the outgoing blood supply. The condition usually affects a large segment of the large colon.
This condition quickly results in severe shock as a very large reservoir of blood and fluid is trapped in the twisted off segment.
This is probably the most dramatic abdominal crisis in the horse. In its classic form, it results in the most violent abdominal pain a horse can demonstrate. Unfortunately, it is quite common in horses, and even more common in brood mares with foals at their sides.
Prompt diagnosis and a decision about surgical intervention is required in these cases. Usually rapid death occurs without correction at surgery.
This condition quickly results in severe shock as a very large reservoir of blood and fluid is trapped in the twisted off segment.
This is probably the most dramatic abdominal crisis in the horse. In its classic form, it results in the most violent abdominal pain a horse can demonstrate. Unfortunately, it is quite common in horses, and even more common in brood mares with foals at their sides.
Prompt diagnosis and a decision about surgical intervention is required in these cases. Usually rapid death occurs without correction at surgery.
my vet's role
Diagnostics Used
These are tests that might be helpful to make this diagnosis or further characterize the condition.
Treatments May Include
These treatments might be used to help resolve or improve this condition.
Very Common
Less Common
PROGNOSIS AND RELEVANT FACTORS
Prognosis is usually fair with rapid surgical correction. The key is rapid recognition by the attending veterinarian that this is the likely diagnosis, and prompt referral to a surgical facility. The prognosis is poor if there has been severe damage to the large colon. This determination is made by the surgeon once the colon is examined.Severely damaged large colon should be removed. In my hands, this procedure has been very successful in situations in which the colon was irreparably damaged. Return of the severely damaged colon to the abdomen usually results in shock and death.
There is always a chance of recurrence of this type of intestinal accident, especially in brood mares.
my role
I might observe
You might make these observations when a horse has this condition.
Very Common
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Membranes of Mouth, Gums appear Pale
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Capillary Refill Time (CRT) Prolonged
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Heart Rate, Pulse Rapid, Greater than 48 BPM at Rest (in Adult)
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Lying Down More Than Normal, or Getting Up & Down
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Mare in Abdominal Pain (Colic), Soon after Foaling
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Abdominal Pain, Colic Signs
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Shock, Ears & Limbs Seem Cold, Pulse is Weak & Rapid
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Bloated Belly, Distended Abdomen
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Collapsed & Died Suddenly, Witnessed
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Horse Found Dead, Recently Seemed Healthy
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Membranes of Mouth, Gums appear Dark
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Buckling, Crouching Behind
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Intestinal, Gut Sounds with Stethoscope Less Than Normal
Less Common
Skills I Might Need
I might need these skills if my horse has this diagnosis.
Very Common
Questions To Ask Your Vet:
- Why do you think the horse has a volvulus?
- With surgery, what is the prognosis?
- What is the cost?
- What is the likelihood of recurrence?
- Is this a case that could be treated with large colon resection?
Prevention
All factors that reduce colic in general should help reduce the likelihood of intestinal accident but there are still no guarantees.
Examples of "trigger" or risk factors include changes in stabling and management, stressful events, travel, stall confinement, and concurrent disease. Mares with foals at their sides are particularly at risk.
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health
Outside Resources
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