Posted 2017-04-04 8:51 AM Subject: RE: Ruptured stomach
I Don't Brag
Posts: 6960
Do not know the real answer to your question. I had a mare that twisted a cecum 2 days after colic surgery for a twist in the small intestine. The college where she was at did not treat it very aggressively (maybe 1/2 gallon of fluids) and my local vet felt that a more aggressive approach was needed. He suggested gallons of fluids (maybe one of oil and ? of water) and an antispasmodic. He said that she would either rupture or get better. After consideration, I brought her home and we treated her his way. I did this knowing the possible bad outcome but felt it gave her the best chance to live. He had her pooping 14 piles a day for a few days after being completely shut down. Sadly I lost her a few days later to a leaking aortic mesentery artery.
IMHO the additional fluids given would add additional pressure and any "faults" in the stomach, possibly due to any damage from worms in the horse's lifetime, would be more likely to fail.
If you are looking to "blame" either the vet or yourself for making a decision, either of you can only make the best decision with he info you actually HAVE. Sometimes, no matter what you do, it still does not work out the way you hope ( witness the above mare).
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