What To Do About Equine Enteroliths

colic. Horses with smallersize stones that can move and lodge within the small colon will have signs of colic that are more acute. Some horses have a history of passing stones in the feces without showing signs of colic. Nonspecific signs such as changes in attitude anorexia lethargy weight loss loose manure girthiness and reluctance to exercise may appear prior to any signs of colic. Signs indicating mild to moderate abdominal discomfort include pawing repeatedly lying down and getting up rolling looking at the flank kicking at the abdomen and sweating.
How are enteroliths diagnosed?
Diagnosing enteroliths can be challenging as many of the initial outward signs are not specific. Finding stones in a stall or paddock is a good indicator but these can be easily missed or hard to attribute to a single horse in a grouphousing situation. Radiographs xrays are the best screening test for enteroliths although radiographs are not able to identify the presence of enteroliths in every case. The ability of radiographs to confirm the presence of stones depends on the size of the horse contents of feed inside the bowel location of the enterolith easier to detect in the large colon than the small colon and the radiographic equipment used. In geographic areas where enteroliths are common such as California veterinarians may suspect intestinal stones in horses that have a history of colic. Early diagnosis is important because an enterolith obstructing the bowel has the potential to rupture with fatal consequences. Enteroliths that have flat edges or triangular shapes are indicators of the presence of more stones as they get these shapes by rubbing against each other in the gut. If history and clinical signs are compatible with a diagnosis of enteroliths surgery will provide a definitive diagnosis.
How are enteroliths treated?
The only successful treatment for horses with