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
Stomach Outflow Obstruction
Summary
This is a complicated, rare and poorly understood condition in which there is a reduction or delay in the stomach emptying its contents. It may be caused by a physical obstruction (thickening of the wall and narrowing of the outflow channel) or a functional problem.
Gastric outflow obstruction can cause recurrent colic (usually associated with eating), gastric ulcers and stomach impactions. This problem can also result from severe stomach ulcers, causing scarring of the stomach wall and dysfunction.
Gastroscopy can help confirm the diagnosis through evaluation of the outflow of the stomach. Treatment may involve ongoing use of anti-ulcer medications, and the feeding of multiple small meals throughout the day or free-feeding. In some cases, surgery is necessary to relieve the outflow obstruction.
Gastric outflow obstruction can cause recurrent colic (usually associated with eating), gastric ulcers and stomach impactions. This problem can also result from severe stomach ulcers, causing scarring of the stomach wall and dysfunction.
Gastroscopy can help confirm the diagnosis through evaluation of the outflow of the stomach. Treatment may involve ongoing use of anti-ulcer medications, and the feeding of multiple small meals throughout the day or free-feeding. In some cases, surgery is necessary to relieve the outflow obstruction.
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.
PROGNOSIS AND RELEVANT FACTORS
The prognosis for gastric outflow obstruction depends on the cause, but is usually fair to poor.my role
I might observe
You might make these observations when a horse has this condition.
Very Common
Less Common
Skills I Might Need
I might need these skills if my horse has this diagnosis.
Very Common
Less Common
Questions To Ask Your Vet:
- What do you think is the cause of the outflow obstruction?
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
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