01/21/2026
Having experience with this condition and now another horse i know falling victim to it, i feel the need to provide the information following. đThis is educational not medical advice. If you suspect colic, call your veterinarian.đ â¨ď¸â¨ď¸Understanding Ileal Impactions in Horsesâ¨ď¸â¨ď¸
An ileal impaction occurs when the ileumâthe final portion of the small intestineâbecomes blocked. This section of the gut plays a critical role in moving digested material into the cecum, and when itâs compromised, the effects can be serious and systemic.
What causes ileal impactions?
đĽIleal impactions are rarely caused by one single factor.
Common contributors include.
Dehydration and inadequate water intake.
Poor-quality or coarse forage, especially stemmy hay.
Sudden diet changes or high-concentrate feeds.
Sand accumulation.
Parasite damage, particularly tapeworms affecting the ileocecal junction.
Stress and nervous system dysregulation, which alters gut motility.
The gut is deeply connected to the nervous system. When a horse is stressedâphysically or emotionallyâintestinal movement can slow or become uncoordinated, increasing the risk of impaction.
How the body is affected
An ileal impaction doesnât just impact the gutâit affects the entire horse:
Severe pain and inflammation strain the nervous system.
Reduced blood flow to intestinal tissue can cause damage or scarring.
Endotoxins may enter circulation, stressing organs like the liver and kidneys.
Prolonged discomfort often leads to protective postures and muscle guarding.
Even when resolved without surgery, the experience is traumatic.
The body remembers.
Rehab after an ileal impaction: more than âjust recoveryâ
True rehabilitation goes beyond resuming feed:
Gradual reintroduction of forage, prioritizing hydration and digestibility.
Parasite management guided by f***l testing
Support for the nervous system to restore healthy gut motility.
Bodywork to address tension patterns created during pain and guarding
Observation and patience, allowing the horseâs system to feel safe again.
After a gastrointestinal crisis, the horseâs body may remain in a heightened state of alert. Supporting relaxation, circulation, and regulation is essential to prevent setbacks.
đĽđŠş Important note:đĽ
Any signs of colic or suspected impaction are medical emergencies and require immediate veterinary care.
This post is for education and awarenessânot diagnosis.
Healing the gut means healing the whole horseâbody, nervous system, and trust included.
