Small Intestine
Volvulus
Basic Information 
Definition
• Rotation of a segment of jejunum, ileum, or both about its mesentery of 180 degrees or greater. May occur as a primary lesion or secondary to a preexisting lesion such as a strangulating lipoma, inguinal hernia, mesodiverticular band, Meckel’s diverticulum, mesenteric rents, or adhesions. May also be seen after colic surgery most likely caused by postoperative ileus.
• Volvulus nodosus, seen less commonly, is described as the torsion of a segement of small intestine forming a mesenteric pouch in which additional small intestine can become entangled, forming an intestinal “knot.” It is seen most commonly in foals.
Clinical Presentation
Physical Exam Findings
• Moderate to severe abdominal pain that is initially responsive to analgesics; response diminishes as the disease progresses.
• Foals commonly exhibit moderate to severe abdominal distension.
• Tachycardia (60–80 beats/min). Heart rate can be normal to greater than 100 beats/min.
• Cardiovascular status diminishes with progression of disease. Signs of dehydration occur rapidly.
• As the disease progresses, horses may become depressed and show progressive signs of endotoxemia.
Diagnosis 
Differential Diagnosis
• Other causes of strangulating obstruction of the small intestine
• Late in the disease as the abdominal discomfort lessens and depression and endotoxemia become more apparent, strangulating lesions may be confused with inflammatory disease such as duodenitis-proximal jejunitis.
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