Therapeutic management of colic due to gastric dilatation in a pony

A pony was brought with constipation and abdominal distension for past two days. On clinical examination, animal appeared dull with increase in heart rate, pulse rate and congested mucous membrane. Abdominal auscultation revealed absence of intestinal sound on both sides of abdomen. Ultrasound revealed anechoic areas in stomach and distension of greater curvature of stomach wall beyond the thirteenth rib. Based on ultrasound and clinical examination, the case was diagnosed as colic due to gastric dilatation and treated. Gastric decompression was performed by nasogastric intubation and about six litres of gastric reflux was relieved. Animal recovered after therapeutic management and gastric decompression.