نشریه التیام
سال هفتم شماره 1 (بهار و تابستان 1399)

Gastrointestinal diseases are 50% of the problems and diseases that lead to death in adult horses. According to epidemiological studies, for every 100 horses per year, between 0.9 and 10 horses suffer from colic. The occurrence of colic varies between different farms and even at different times in one farm. The occurrence of colic seems to be strongly influenced by the level of quality of herd management and horse maintenance throughout the year. This means that variation in the rate of occurrence originates more from management than from the breed of horses. Various factors such as breed, age, sex, history, nutrition, activities, infectious and parasitic problems and dental problems can increase the risk of colic in horses. For example, Arabian horses have been identified as predisposed to colic, and other Heidegger breeds such as the Thoroughbred and Warmblad, and standard-range horses, are at high risk for colic. In addition, stallions, especially castrated stallions, are more susceptible to colic. Changes in the type of concentrate consumed, the type of other feeds, the quality of forage and pasture are closely related to colic and their causative agents. Intestinal parasites, especially tapeworms and streptococci, are important risk factors for colic that can increase the risk.

Colic or abdominal pain has long been one of the most important and challenging diseases that veterinarians in equine medicine have always dealt with. In colic, the choice of treatment method between medical and surgical has always been discussed. According to the findings of physical examinations such as pain, cardiovascular system, anal examination and other clinical and laboratory methods, the type of treatment method is selected and if necessary by using appropriate techniques in cases that require surgery, the patient recovers. Finally, attention to the care required after this period is also one of the effective measures in the treatment of colic in horses.

Colic is one of the most important problems affecting horses and affects 4 to 10% of horses annually. It is noteworthy that 80% of colic cases are either gaseous or of unknown origin that improve without treatment or with a simple treatment. Usually, about 5% of horses develop mild colon accumulation in a mild form and respond to treatment, and less than 7% of colic cases require surgery. Horses that show mild colic symptoms have a better prognosis for survival, and ultimately in 13% of cases there is a chance of recurrence of symptoms.

Fluid therapy is one of the most important parts of the treatment protocol for horses with colic. Fluid therapy methods include oral and intravenous administration. Although intravenous fluid intake is the most basic form of fluid therapy in horses with colic, prudent use of oral fluid therapy can be used as an adjunct or alternative treatment.

From September 2016 to 2019, 74 horses with signs of colic were referred to the Veterinary Referral Hospital of Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman. In this article, surgical management of some of these cases from the time of admission to discharge is described.

Colic as the most important equine disease requires emergency intervention to save patient’s life. Early diagnosis, management, and, treatment of affected horses will improve prognosis of treatment. Despite performed advances in diagnosis, anesthesia, surgery and postoperative care, colic is still a challenging concern in veterinary. Some of the most important advancements are presented in this article.