Are IV fluids useful for the treatment of large colon impactions?

Background

Large colon impactions, defined as an accumulation of dehydrated ingesta [1], are a common cause of colic in the horse. The aetiology of colon impactions is not fully understood, although a dysfunction of intestinal motility has been suggested as have other management changes that lead to fluid shifts out of the large colon [2]. Treatment of affected horses involves rehydration of ingesta whilst withholding feed and providing analgesia. Rehydration of ingesta is typically performed by administering fluids via nasogastric tube or intravenously; suggested to create a state of systemic overhydration and promote colonic secretion. Intravenous fluids are more expensive than oral fluids, require intravenous catheterisation and adequate facilities for fluid delivery, therefore it is important to critically evaluate the evidence pertaining to their use.

Research question

Do intravenous fluids reduce treatment time when managing large colon impactions in the horse?

Search strategy

Medline was used to search for primary evidence using the following terms: 1. Large colon impaction AND horse AND fluids 2. Colonic hydration AND horse AND fluids […]