Round Bale toxicosis

Many horses in around the world are fed on round bales for both convenience and efficiency.  However, we see a significant increase in colic in horses on round bales. 

We like to call it ROUND BALE TOXICOSIS.  Most horses that present with symptoms of colic that are on round bales have large colon impactions.   This is often after a new bale has been introduced; either following a period when there is little left of the old bale, or the new bale is fresher and hoses overeat. 

Often times the horse doesn’t look really colicky and the horse can often pass feces without really reducing the impaction.  Many have gut sounds and may just be getting down on the ground more often than usual.  The diagnosis of large colon impaction is made by rectal palpation.  The large colon will be distended and often feel like a cannon barrel inside.

It can twist with rolling as seen in the picture.

If you suspect your horse may have over indulged then the first thing is to get him or her off the bale and give them access to all the water they want.  Running for short bursts may help.

Many horses require either oral or intravenous fluid, electrolytes and stool softeners.   This will depend on the size and hardness of the impaction. Parafin oil may help, but its primary role is to tell us the intestinal tract is open.  They will also need pain relief.

While we all know horses that live on round bales quite successfully, we advise that you take off portions of the round bales and feed them daily. 

Recent case: Pappy ( our webmaster’s horse) is a 16 year old Thoroughbred.  He came into the clinic with a normal heart rate, guts sounds on both sides but they were slightly reduced.  He had a motion in the float on the way here.  He also had a history of a few previous episodes of colic.  He was just ADR “ain’t doing right”.   His right colon was about the size of two watermelons on end.  He was lucky as Robert caught it early and we were able to get reduce it with only two drenches.  This is clearly a case of water being your friend.  The key to salvation is hydration.  The next day Pappy was home and on a restricted diet. 

Client Information Night

Tuesday 1st May 2012 Starts 7:30pm

Guest Speaker
Adelaide Plains Equine Clinic would like to invite you to an evening of Equine information. DrShannon Lee We have been fortunate to secure as our guest speaker.

Dr Lee is a Veterinarian whose focus in Equine Dentistry has seen him involved in Equine Dental workshops for Veterinarians and Veterinary students, as well as seeing both general and referral dental cases.

Short Talks from Our Vets and more.....

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