Very 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
Infarcted Intestine or Colon
Synonyms: Verminous Arteritis
Summary
An infarction is an area of tissue that has lost its blood supply due to blockage of a supplying artery. Historically, before modern parasite control, one of the most common conditions causing an infarction and severe colic in horses was Verminous Arteritis.
In this disease the adult parasite of the bloodworm (Strongylus vulgaris) lives in and causes damage to the large arteries that supply large segments of the intestine with blood. The result is blockage of blood supply to the involved segment of intestine. The intestine dies and breaks down, allowing fecal contamination of the abdomen, peritonitis and death.
This condition is less common now but occasionally occurs, usually in horses that are not on an adequate parasite control program.
There are other conditions that result in infarction, but they are rare in horses.
In this disease the adult parasite of the bloodworm (Strongylus vulgaris) lives in and causes damage to the large arteries that supply large segments of the intestine with blood. The result is blockage of blood supply to the involved segment of intestine. The intestine dies and breaks down, allowing fecal contamination of the abdomen, peritonitis and death.
This condition is less common now but occasionally occurs, usually in horses that are not on an adequate parasite control program.
There are other conditions that result in infarction, but they are rare in horses.
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
PROGNOSIS AND RELEVANT FACTORS
Prognosis is poor without surgery and removal of the dead intestine, prior to infection of the abdomen.my role
I might observe
You might make these observations when a horse has this condition.
Very Common
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Abdominal Pain, Colic Signs
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Not Eating, Loss of Appetite, Not Hungry
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Depressed, Dull, Sick or Lethargic
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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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Shock, Ears & Limbs Seem Cold, Pulse is Weak & Rapid
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Fever, Rectal Temperature Greater than 101.5 (in Adult)
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Eye looks Blood Shot, White of Eye is Red
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Membranes of Mouth, Gums appear Red
Less Common
Skills I Might Need
I might need these skills if my horse has this diagnosis.
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health
