foreign body (wire) horse

3D Model

a foreign body (wire) in the intestines of a horse

size of specimen: 143.5 x 72.5 x 36.4 mm

Scanning performed with the structured light scanners “Artec Leo” and “Artec Spider”

Pathogenesis: Ingested wire penetrates the intestinal wall and may migrate into the peritoneal cavity or adjacent organs, causing local and septic peritonitis and abscess formation.

Etiology: Metallic wires originating from bedding, forage, fencing or stable hardware.

Epidemiology: Uncommon; reported in multiple case series with substantial morbidity and guarded prognosis if diagnosis/treatment delayed.

Clinical signs: Acute or chronic colic, abdominal pain, fever, anorexia, weight loss, tachycardia, reduced gut sounds.

Diagnostics: Radiography (radiopaque wire), abdominal ultrasound, abdominocentesis with fluid analysis, exploratory laparotomy/necropsy