Surgical resolution of Mini Horse fecaloma: Case report

Abstract

The presence of fecalomas in horses is related to accidental ingestion of substances such as pieces of rope, bedding, plastic and other materials, taking to an ingestion compaction that can cause obstruction and distension of intestinal loops. It is a common condition that can be found in ponies, mini horses and foals, causing an obstruction, most of the time, in the smaller colon. The present work reports a case of colic syndrome in a 2-year-old Mini Horse, with signs of abdominal discomfort for two days. The physical examination revealed high heart and respiratory rate, hypomotility on auscultation, abdominal distension, pale mucous membranes with the presence of a toxemic halo and pyrexia. Analysis of peritoneal fluid revealed an increase in leukocytes. The blood count identified leukopenia. The animal was subjected an exploratory laparotomy and identified the presence of a fecaloma in the proximal third of the smaller colon and a pelvic flexure retroflexion.