ABSTRACT
Gaining a good working knowledge of the equine gastrointestinal tract and associated intra-abdominal organs can appear to be a daunting task, especially for people who are new to the area. However, veterinarians who examine and treat horses with conditions characterized by acute abdominal pain (colic) learn rather quickly that the key to the diagnosis often lies in recognizing changes in anatomic structures or relationships among different organs. With this in mind, this opening chapter focuses on the gross and microscopic structure of the horse’s alimentary tract (Figure 1-1A, B, C & D), starting with the esophagus. Because some conditions characterized by colic involve other organs within the abdomen, we have reviewed the relevant structural aspects of the liver, spleen, and pancreas. In compiling this information, it is our goal to provide veterinary students and veterinarians with some of the foundational materials needed to fully understand clinical conditions that result in colic.
