## Overview A mesenteric abscess is a pocket of infection in the mesentery, often from Streptococcus equi (strangles) or, historically, migrating Strongylus larvae. It can cause recurrent colic, weight loss, and fever. Large abscesses may strangulate intestine, creating a surgical emergency. ## Causes Bacterial seeding, most often Streptococcus equi subspecies equi. ## Diagnosis Rectal palpation of a mass in some cases, ultrasound, and clinical signs of chronic colic or weight loss. Acute strangulation presents as severe colic. ## Treatment Long-term antibiotics for abscesses. Surgical resection or bypass if intestine is strangulated or obstructed. ## Recovery and Prognosis Guarded. Abscesses can be difficult to resolve completely. Strangulation worsens the outlook. ## Prevention Strangles biosecurity and, where relevant, parasite control.
recurrent colic; weight loss; intermittent fever; palpable abdominal mass in some cases; acute severe colic if strangulation occurs
## Overview A mesenteric abscess is a pocket of infection in the mesentery, often from Streptococcus equi (strangles) or, historically, migrating Strongylus larvae. It can cause recurrent colic, weight loss, and fever. Large abscesses may strangulate intestine, creating a surgical emergency. ## Causes Bacterial seeding, most often Streptococcus equi subspecies equi. ## Diagnosis Rectal palpation of a mass in some cases, ultrasound, and clinical signs of chronic colic or weight loss. Acute strangulation presents as severe colic. ## Treatment Long-term antibiotics for abscesses. Surgical resection or bypass if intestine is strangulated or obstructed. ## Recovery and Prognosis Guarded. Abscesses can be difficult to resolve completely. Strangulation worsens the outlook. ## Prevention Strangles biosecurity and, where relevant, parasite control.
recurrent colic; weight loss; intermittent fever; palpable abdominal mass in some cases; acute severe colic if strangulation occurs