Neonatal Colic

Neonatal Colic



Basic Information image



Definition


Colic is the descriptive term used for abdominal pain and can have many causes.



Epidemiology



Species, Age, Sex


There is no gender predisposition for most forms of neonatal colic. Meconium impactions are suggested to occur more commonly in colts because of their smaller pelvic opening diameter.



Genetics and Breed Predisposition


For most causes of neonatal colic, there is no genetic or breed predilection. Overo lethal white syndrome (OLWS) occurs in breeds that commonly carry the mutation, including American Paint Horses, Miniature Horses, Pintos, and less commonly Quarter Horses.



Risk Factors


For colic caused by enteritis, unsanitary farm conditions and failure of passive transfer are contributory.



Contagion and Zoonosis


Infectious causes of enteritis include infection with Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp., Escherichia coli, and Clostridium spp.



Associated Conditions and Disorders


Failure of passive transfer, peritonitis, pneumonia, enteritis



Clinical Presentation



Disease Forms/Subtypes


Neonatal colic can be caused by congenital abnormalities for which there is no treatment (atresia coli, OLWS); medical causes such as enteritis and meconium impactions; and causes that require surgery such as small intestinal volvulus, hernias, and (rarely) meconium impactions refractory to medical treatment.



History, Chief Complaint


Failure to nurse, lethargy, recumbency, failure to pass feces, fever, rolling on back, abdominal distension



Physical Exam Findings


Variable depending on condition and severity. Elevated (>100 beats/min) heart rate, reduced borborygmi, and abdominal bloating are common. If enteritis is a component of the colic episode, fever (>102° F), dehydration, and clinical signs of endotoxemia are present. Digital palpation may reveal meconium impactions or a lack of any fecal output (atresia coli, OLWS).



Etiology and Pathophysiology




• Atresia coli is the result of incomplete formation of the intestinal tract, but the cause is unknown.


• OLWS is caused by a genetic mutation resulting in abnormal autonomic innervation of the intestinal tract.


• Meconium impactions are caused by large amounts or very sticky and tenacious meconium.


• Enteritis often has an infectious component.

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Jul 24, 2016 | Posted by in SMALL ANIMAL | Comments Off on Neonatal Colic

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