Endoscopic observations of the effect of number of spasmolytic and analgesic drugs on equine caecal motility

Abstract

Movement of ingesta within the equine caecum has been observed endoscopically through a caecal fistula (Dyce and Hartman, 1973), but the observations were made unrelated to diet and in some cases on ponies from which food had been withheld for 24 hours. Strong movements of muscle bands, termed haustral formation, and eruption of caecal body contents and discharge of these contents into the caecal base were reported in the study. Also seen endoscopically was constriction of the walls of the caecal base dividing that region into cranial and caudal compartments. These findings were confirmed by Sellers et al (1982), whilst implanting an inflatable catheter into the caecum through a fistula.