Very Common
Related Observations
This treatment might be used for a horse exhibiting these signs.
Treatment
A way to improve or resolve a condition or diagnosis. This might include resolving the underlying cause or treating the signs of disease (symptomatic treatment).
Cost: $100 to $500
These cost ranges are approximate and may vary from region to region.
Additional charges may also apply.
YOUR VET MAY Recommend
Rolling, Non-Surgical Correction for Left Dorsal Displacement of Colon, LDD
Cost: $100 to $500
These cost ranges are approximate and may vary from region to region.
Additional charges may also apply.
Summary
This is a treatment option for a horse diagnosed with a left dorsal displacement with entrapment of the colon in the nephrosplenic space.
This treatment has a fairly high success rate. It may eliminate the need for colic surgery and it can be performed in the field, however it is more easily performed at an equine hospital in a padded room using a hoist.
The horse is anesthetized using short acting general anesthetic and rolled through a specific sequence. Generally, a horse is placed on its left side and a vet manually attempts to dislodge the colon from the renosplenic ligament by “rolling” the horse from left to right.
Once the sequence is completed, the horse is reevaluated on rectal exam and ultrasound to determine whether the problem has been corrected.
Horses that are corrected by this procedure often pass gas within 20-60 minutes, signs of abdominal pain diminish, vital signs improve, and they begin to pass manure.
This treatment has a fairly high success rate. It may eliminate the need for colic surgery and it can be performed in the field, however it is more easily performed at an equine hospital in a padded room using a hoist.
The horse is anesthetized using short acting general anesthetic and rolled through a specific sequence. Generally, a horse is placed on its left side and a vet manually attempts to dislodge the colon from the renosplenic ligament by “rolling” the horse from left to right.
Once the sequence is completed, the horse is reevaluated on rectal exam and ultrasound to determine whether the problem has been corrected.
Horses that are corrected by this procedure often pass gas within 20-60 minutes, signs of abdominal pain diminish, vital signs improve, and they begin to pass manure.
my vet's role
Related Diagnoses
This treatment might be used to treat these conditions or ailments.
Know Related Treatments
Your vet considers other treatments that might be used along with or instead of this treatment.
CONSIDER POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS & COMPLICATIONS
The most common complication of this procedure is it simply not working. The horse is found to still have the displacement even after the procedure.Occasionally, a horse that is mildly painful prior to this procedure becomes more painful afterwards. In this case, the procedure may have created another problem in the abdomen. In such cases, surgery may be required.
A horse that has a tight, gas distended colon could rupture during manipulation.
CONSIDER REASONS NOT TO USE THIS TREATMENT
This procedure can only correct a left dorsal displacement. If other conditions exist, such as an impaction, they are not corrected by this treatment.your role
Is it working? Timeframe for effect.
As soon as the sequence is completed, the horse can be evaluated via ultrasound and/or rectal exam to see if it was successful. Colic signs should improve rapidly. In many cases, horses never return to pain. Intestinal function returns within minutes to hours. Questions To Ask Your Vet:
- What is the cost/benefit to delaying surgery and performing this procedure first?
- Should we try to use phenylephrine first?
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health