Acute colic in a one-year-old mare

Objective: Description of clinical signs, results of haematological analyses and therapy of an Arabian mare with an ileus due to ascarid infection. Material and methods: A one-year-old Arabian mare was presented with a history of colic since several hours, palpable small intestinal loops and reflux of intestinal fluid. The animal was clinically examined. Results: The mare displayed a profoundly disordered general condition. The packed cell volume and total plasma protein were in superior normal ranges,the leukocytes and lactate in normal ranges. On palpation per rectum, slightly distended small intestinal loops were present and sterile obtained abdominal fluid was coloured orange. Due to these findings a small intestinal obstruction was suspected and the decision of an exploratory laparotomy was made. During surgery it turned out that the complete jejunum was obturated by vivid ascarids. There was a secondary impaction in the colon. The ascarid impaction was so massive that it was not possible to knead the worms from the small intestine into the large bowel. Therefore they were removed and flushed by an enterotomy. Conclusion: Despite evitable regular anthelminthic prophylaxis complete bowel obstruction by ascarids should be taken into account in young horses with symptoms of a small intestinal ileus. There might be a resistance against anthelminthics. Clinical relevance: It is advisable to carry out a continuous monitoring of faecal examinations to prevent an escalation in form of a complete bowel obstruction like in the presented case. Frequent removal of faeces from pastures is essential in order to reduce the incidence of reinfection following treatment.