An impaction is a blockage of the intestinal tract with normal ingesta or with foreign material.

Impaction with ingesta may be caused by anything that increases the coarseness of the ingesta, decreases the amount of fluid in the intestinal tract or interferes with normal intestinal motility. If the blockage is so complete as to prevent the passage of gas as well as ingesta, the condition is quite acute and very painful and may require rapid surgical treatment.

Foreign materials that may block the intestine includes:

1. Intestinal stones or enteroliths
2. Sand
3. Rubber and nylon cords from tractor tire feeders or rubber fencing materials

For more information, see:

•  Colic
• Spasmodic Colic
• Incarceration Colic
• Excessive Fermentation Colic
• Displacement Colic

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