Very Common
Less Common
Related Observations
Your vet might choose this diagnostic test if you were making these observations.
Diagnostic
Tests or procedures used by your vet to determine what is wrong with your horse, in order to reach a diagnosis.
Cost: Under $100
These cost ranges are approximate and may vary from region to region.
Additional charges may also apply.
YOUR VET MAY PERFORM
Percussion
Cost: Under $100
These cost ranges are approximate and may vary from region to region.
Additional charges may also apply.
Summary
Percussion is a technique whereby a vet seeks to determine the presence and amount of fluid versus air or gas in various body cavities.
This diagnostic is performed by tapping on certain anatomical areas while listening to whether these areas sound "hollow" or not. Examples include percussion of the air-filled sinuses in the head, or gas-filled segments of the intestine in horses with intestinal conditions.
The effectiveness of this diagnostic directly relates to the vet's experience.
This diagnostic is performed by tapping on certain anatomical areas while listening to whether these areas sound "hollow" or not. Examples include percussion of the air-filled sinuses in the head, or gas-filled segments of the intestine in horses with intestinal conditions.
The effectiveness of this diagnostic directly relates to the vet's experience.
Why A Vet Chooses This Diagnostic
Related Diagnostics
Other diagnostic tests that might be used in combination or with this one or instead of this one.
Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider
This test could rule out or confirm any of the following diagnoses.
Very Common
Less Common
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Fracture of Skull, Involving Sinus or Bone
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Pleural Effusion
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Neoplasia, Tumor or Cancer, Sinus or Nasal Passage
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Cecal Disorders, Generally
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Large Colon Volvulus or Torsion
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Paranasal Sinus Cysts
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Pleural Abscesses
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Large Colon Mechanical Obstruction, Generally
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Small Colon Impaction
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Right Dorsal Displacement of Large Colon
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Left Dorsal Displacement of Large Colon with Nephro-Splenic Entrapment
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Large Colon Impaction, Pelvic Flexure Impaction
BENEFITS
This is a simple and quick way for a vet to assess the presence of gas or air in a location. LIMITATIONS
Percussion is an insensitive technique and prone to clinician error or misinterpretation.
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health
