Critical care can make the difference COLIC: An EMC series
Last month we discussed colic surgery, the need for rapid correction of surgical conditions, and the role that post- operative care plays in successful outcomes. But what about horses with colic that do not need colic surgery? How do they benefit from emergency and critical medical care?
Whenever possible, if your horse is not responsive to medical therapy administered on the farm, referral to a hospital should occur without delay. Immediate evaluation of your horse, including ultrasound examination and comprehensive laboratory testing of blood and abdominalfluid (available 24/7 in a hospital), can help determine the likely cause of the colic and the most appropriate therapy.
Common causes of medical colic include; gas distension or impaction of the large intestine, impending diarrhea (colitis), small intestinal inflammation (enteritis), and gas- tric ulceration. Other diseases that may present clinical signs mimicking colic are also important to recognize and may include myositis (tying-up), liver or urinary tract dis- ease, and some neurological diseases. Because different diseases require different treatments, access to compre- hensive diagnostic capabilities found in a 24/7 hospital benefit the equine patient tremendously.
Fluid therapy to correct dehydra- tion and electrolyte abnormalities, antibiotic therapy if infection is sus- pected, anti-inflammatory therapy, and pain management are mainstay treatments. When indicated, proki- netic medications to promote gas- trointestinal motility and measures to reduce the risk of laminitis and other
Hospitalized horse receiving 24/7 monitoring and care.
potential complications are employed. Other medical conditions that resemble colic, but require different therapies, can be identified and treated accordingly.
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Critically ill horses benefit from a rapid and accurate diagnosis and specific treatment of the underlying disease. Our veterinarians, and our highly-skilled veterinary tech- nicians and veterinary nurses work together, with you and your veterinarian, to provide 24/7 hospital care so that the best possible outcome can be achieved.
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–Krista Estell, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM Clinical Assistant Professor of Equine Medicine
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The Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center (EMC) is a premier, full-service equine health facility offering cutting edge diagnostics and advanced specialty services by appointment as well as 24/7 emergency services.
emc.vetmed.vt.edu • 703-771-6800 • 17690 Waterford Road, Leesburg, VA 20176
www.equiery.com | 800-244-9580 NOVEMBER 2017 | THE EQUIERY | 33
emergency services, contact Cathy Duerbeck at 7
911156-171117
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