Investigation of the effect of pasture and stable management on large intestinal motility in the horse, measured using transcutaneous ultrasonography

Abstract

SummaryReason for performing study: Management regimes have been identified as risk factors for equine intestinal motility disorders. However, it is not known how management factors affect gastrointestinal motility. Hypothesis: Large intestinal motility was similar in horses on a stabled and a pastured management regime. Objective: To investigate the effect of 2 different management regimes on large intestinal motility assessed with ultrasonography. Methods: A within-subjects crossover design was used to compare large intestinal motility between a stabled and a pastured regime in 16 working horses. Group A was managed under a standardised stabled regime throughout the study.

Risk factors for large colon volvulus in theUK

“…Increased stabling results in alteration of diet and reduction in activity. Exercise alters gastrointestinal function by reducing the digestibility of dry matter in feed, and reducing mean retention time [37][38][39]. Our results indicate that, where possible, pasture turnout should be encouraged, particularly in horses at increased risk of LCV.…”

“…Horses that had had an increase in stabling in the previous 14 days were at increased risk. Stabling or reduced time at pasture has been identified as a risk factor for colic in other studies , including large colon disorders , and large intestinal motility is reduced in stabled horses compared to those kept at grass . Increased stabling results in alteration of diet and reduction in activity.…”

The use of multimodal analgesia in the management of suspected extremity compartment syndrome in the pelvic limb of a horse

“…Phenylbutazone was chosen in this case based on several factors including reduced cost compared with flunixin and therefore anticipated improved owner compliance with potential long-term treatment. The degree of pain, potential requirement for systemic opioids, ongoing NSAID treatment, dietary changes and stabling during hospitalisation are additionally risk factors for developing colic (Senior et al 2004;Williams et al 2011;Scherrer et al 2016). Flunixin is more likely to mask the cardiovascular changes associated with endotoxaemia, should this develop as a consequence, potentially delaying identification and appropriate intervention (King and Gerring 1989;Mair and Edwards 1998).…”

Technical note: Influence of feed on image quality of abdominal ultrasonography in New Zealand white kits

“…Williams et al (2011) observed, via transcutaneous ultrasound, decreased intestinal motility in stabled horses, which received a higher proportion of concentrate than the grazing horses, whose feeds consisted of only pasture. The lower intestinal motility leads to a lower rate of bowel movement, favouring the accumulation of gases.…”