Impaction
Home » Interactive Animal » Equine » Digestive » Small Intestine » Impaction

The ileum is the last section of small intestine before the digestive tract passes on to the large intestine. A functional valve exists at the end of the ileum to limit flow. Occasionally, ingesta gets caught up at the ileum, dehydrates, and causes a blockage. This doughy mass is called an ileal impaction. It is most commonly seen in horses eating Coastal Bermuda hay.