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[2 cases of 'hardware' foreign objects in ponies]
E van Duijkeren1, M M Sloet van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan, A B Rijkenhuizen
1Vakgroep Inwendige Ziekten en Voeding der Grote Huisdieren, Faculteit Diergeneeskunde, Utrecht.
Tijdschrift Voor Diergeneeskunde
|August 1, 1992
Summary
Small intestine obstruction in ponies caused by jejunal perforation from wire ingestion led to colic. While one pony survived surgery, severe laminitis necessitated euthanasia, highlighting the serious complications of such injuries.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Science
- Equine Medicine
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Colic is a common presenting complaint in equine practice, often necessitating surgical intervention.
- Small intestinal obstruction requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to improve prognosis.
- Foreign body ingestion can lead to gastrointestinal complications, including perforation.
Observation:
- Two ponies presented with clinical signs consistent with small intestine obstruction and colic.
- Surgical and post-mortem examinations revealed jejunal perforation as the cause of colic.
- The perforation was attributed to a piece of wire acting as a foreign body.
Findings:
- One pony underwent laparotomy and enterectomy, recovering initially but later developing severe laminitis.
- The second pony was euthanized immediately due to the severity of the condition.
- Wire foreign bodies can cause catastrophic gastrointestinal damage in equids.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for foreign body ingestion, specifically wire, to cause fatal intestinal perforation in ponies.
- Prompt surgical intervention may not prevent long-term complications such as laminitis, even with initial recovery.
- Veterinarians should consider radiography and careful surgical exploration to identify foreign bodies in cases of colic with suspected obstruction.