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
Left Dorsal Displacement of Large Colon with Nephro-Splenic Entrapment
Summary
Left dorsal displacement of the large colon with a nephro-splenic entrapment is often described as an "intestinal accident" because there may be no obvious cause. In this displacement, the left colon slides from its usually position up between the spleen and body wall and ends up trapped on a ligament between the left kidney and spleen.
The condition is characterized by signs of mild to moderate abdominal pain (colic). In some cases, horses with this condition will have obvious distention of their left abdomen. A definitive diagnosis of this condition is commonly reached in a standing horse with a careful rectal examination and the use of ultrasound.
This diagnosis is more commonly seen in Arabian and Warmblood breeds, but it can occur in any breed of horse. The condition may start as simple gas accumulation, impaction, spasm or abnormal motility which leads to the displacement.
A surgical procedure exists wherein the nephrosplenic space is closed, removing that "trap" for the colon and making displacement less common but not impossible.
The condition is characterized by signs of mild to moderate abdominal pain (colic). In some cases, horses with this condition will have obvious distention of their left abdomen. A definitive diagnosis of this condition is commonly reached in a standing horse with a careful rectal examination and the use of ultrasound.
This diagnosis is more commonly seen in Arabian and Warmblood breeds, but it can occur in any breed of horse. The condition may start as simple gas accumulation, impaction, spasm or abnormal motility which leads to the displacement.
A surgical procedure exists wherein the nephrosplenic space is closed, removing that "trap" for the colon and making displacement less common but not impossible.
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 depends on the duration of entrapment, the amount of gas distention within the colon, and the severity of colic pain. Whether surgery is elected depends on success of non-surgical correction.There is 5-20% chance of recurrence of this type of displacement.
my role
I might observe
You might make these observations when a horse has this condition.
Very Common
Less Common
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
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