Indications for performing this procedure: Gastric reflux is often indicated in equine cases of severe colic or abdominal pain. Reflux may be used diagnostically as well as therapeutically for the alleviation of abdominal discomfort in horses.
Gastric rupture due to the build up of gas and fluids in the stomach poses a serious threat to horses with impactions, or other abnormalities that prevent the proper emptying of the stomach. Impactions and gut stasis may result in pooling of gastric contents in the stomach. Because horses are unable to eructate as cattle do, it is imperative to decompress the stomach and relieve the pressure.
The Procedure: A nasogastric tube is passed into the stomach and flushed
with water or mineral oil to prime the tube and begin the siphoning.
Priming of the tube may need to be preformed a number of times to ensure proper
reflux has occurred. In a normal horse, there should be no more than 4 L of
fluid returned during gastric reflux. More than 4L indicates stasis and
pooling of fluid in the stomach.
Evaluation: The fluid returned during reflux may be examined for pH,
color, and odor. Abnormalities in the stomach contents can provide valuable
information that can aid in diagnosing the problem.
For more information . . .