ULTRASOUND FOR COLIC DIAGNOSIS

A German study underscores the benefits of ultrasound when investigating the cause of colic.

In reviewing the cases of horses admitted to the university clinic for colic over a two-year

period, University of Leipzig researchers compared the results of rectal and ultrasound0 exams to

findings made through surgery or postmortem exams. They determined that ultrasound was more

accurate than rectal exams in identifying small intestinal blockages, twists of the large intestine

and displacement of the large colon into the space between the spleen and the kidney.

While stating that rectal exams are still essential in the investigation of colic, the researchers

recommend including ultrasonography in the diagnostic process whenever possible.