Stomach Disorders in Non-Ruminants

11.4.2 Stomach Disorders in Non-Ruminants Colic in non-ruminants Colic is a common term meaning pain in the belly (i.e. the stomach or intestines). This is a very common problem in horses but is also seen in other animals. Colic has many causes including excess gas, constipation, impaction, lack of proper blood circulation to the intestines (due to parasites), or twisting of the intestines.

Symptoms: Symptoms of colic include lack of appetite, restlessness, rolling, kicking at the belly, sweating, rapid heartrate (due to the pain), inability to pass manure, and sitting like a dog.

Diagnosis: Primarily based on symptoms. An experienced veterinarian may do a rectal palpation to feel for excess gas or an obstruction in the digestive tract. However, this is a risky procedure for an inexperienced person.

Treatment: The animal should be given pain killers like aspirin, xylazine, Paracetamol or Novalgin. See Medicine Chapter. The animal can also be fed some oil (cooking or mineral oil, liquid paraffin) or magnesium sulfate. The animal should be walked to help stimulate its digestive tract (and possibly pass some manure or gas) and to keep it from rolling and thrashing. Once the animal recovers somewhat, it should be fed worm medicine.

Prevention/Control: Give worm medicine regularly, according the needs of the geographical area. Avoid sudden changes in feed.

Vomiting This is more of a problem in non-ruminants (except for horses which cannot vomit). It can occur as a result of eating rotten food or poison, or because of a block in the digestive tract.

Symptoms/Diagnosis: Determine the cause of the vomiting. The history is often helpful, especially if the owner knows what the animal has eaten.

Treatment: The treatment depends upon the cause. In the case of poisoning or bad food, the animal may vomit and empty its stomach. Magnesium sulfate can also be fed to help cause diarrhea which will help the animal get rid of the poison. For a blocked digestive tract, there is little you can do except feed some magnesium sulfate or oil to help dissolve the obstruction.