Cólica gastrointestinal em equídeos no Semiárido Nordestino.

Abstract

The cases of gastrointestinal colic diagnosed in the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Campina Grande, in the semiarid of Northeastern Brazil were reviewed. From January 2001 to December 2011, 70 (4.5%) equidae out of 1542 were affected by colic, including 60 horses, 5 mules, and 5 donkeys. Large colon impaction diagnosed in 37.14% of the cases was the most frequent cause of colic, followed by small colon impaction (10%) and foreign body in the small colon (7.14%). The main risk factor for the occurrence of colic was the ingestion of choped Pennisetum purpureum, Brachiaria spp., Sorghum spp ou Echinochloa polystachya (OR = 4,03; P = 0,007). In four cases, colics were caused by phytobezoars in the large gut, two of which were associated with the ingestion of large amounts of fresh Prosopis juliflora pods. Six cases of foreign bodies, mainly plastic bags, were observed, five in small colon and one in the large colon. Strangulating small intestinal lesions were observed in four cases. Other causes of colic were spasmodic colic (two cases due to gastrointestinal parasites and two due to consumption of home residues), and gastric impaction (three cases). Large colon displacement was diagnosed twice. Laceration of the small colon, cecal torsion, and bloat by ingestion of Manihot esculenta were diagnosed once. As a result of the low quality of the foods the frequency of colic was significantly higher during the dry season (second semester) (OR = 2.61; P < 0.01). In conclusion, is necessary to improve food quality and food management, mainly during the dry season, to decrease the frequency of colic in the Brazilian semiarid region.